Bhopal, May 7 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday condemned the killing of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant Chandranath Rath in West Bengal, calling the incident 'highly condemnable' and saying that violence has no place in politics.
"It is highly condemnable. Whoever has done this act, I believe that winning and losing elections is part of democracy, but if you lose an election and resort to such actions, this is exactly why the public has sent you home. I firmly believe that there is no place for violence in politics. Whoever from whichever party is involved in this, I condemn them and urge them to apologise publicly," Chief Minister Yadav said, reacting to the matter in Bhopal.
The Chief Minister's remarks came after reports emerged that the personal assistant of Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead.
The incident has triggered sharp political reactions, with BJP leaders alleging a breakdown of law and order in the state.
Chief Minister Yadav stressed that electoral defeats should not lead to violent retaliation.
"Democracy runs on the will of the people. Victory and defeat are decided by voters. Resorting to bullets after losing at the ballot shows contempt for democratic values. This is precisely why the public has rejected such politics," he said.
He added that political differences must be settled through debate and elections, not through attacks.
"There is no space for violence in politics. Whoever is responsible, irrespective of party affiliation, must be held accountable. They should not only face legal action but also apologise to the people," Chief Minister Yadav said.
The Chief Minister's condemnation adds to the growing political row over the killing.
The BJP leaders in West Bengal have demanded a central probe, alleging that political workers of opposition parties are being targeted.
Chief Minister Yadav said the incident was a reminder that political violence damages the fabric of democracy.
"We may be political opponents, but we are not enemies. The Constitution gives everyone the right to contest and campaign. Taking a life over political rivalry is an attack on democracy itself," he said.
Police in West Bengal have registered a case and launched an investigation into the killing.
Further details on the motive and accused are awaited, according to reports.
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