Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed strong condemnation and deep concern regarding the death of Congress worker Debdeep Chatterjee amidst post-poll violence in West Bengal. Holding "Trinamool-affiliated miscreants" responsible for the incident, he has demanded immediate and strict action. On this day, Rahul Gandhi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family through a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter). Raising questions about the timing of the incident, Gandhi stated that the very character of the Trinamool is to "intimidate, attack, and eliminate opposition voices." In his post, he noted, "The murder of Congress worker Debdeep Chatterjee at the hands of Trinamool-affiliated miscreants in the post-election period is utterly reprehensible. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family."
The Congress leader further added, "Today in West Bengal, it is not democracy that prevails, but a reign of terror by the Trinamool. Intimidating, attacking, and eliminating opposition voices after the casting of votes has become the defining characteristic of the Trinamool." Gandhi made it clear that Congress's politics has never been dependent on violence; rather, it relies entirely on democratic processes. They have always upheld constitutional and non-violent political values.
He demanded the "severest punishment" for the accused and appealed for protection and compensation for the family of the deceased, Debdeep. In his post, Rahul Gandhi further wrote, "Congress's politics has never been based on violence, nor will it ever be in the future. We, too, have lost our workers; yet, we have always chosen the path of non-violence and the Constitution. This is our tradition; this is our resolve."
He further added, "The demand is clear: all culprits must be arrested immediately, subjected to the severest punishment, and full security and compensation must be ensured for Debdeep's family. We will not bow down to a brand of politics that tarnishes India's non-violent heritage. Justice shall prevail."
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee has termed this fatal incident as "shocking," particularly given that it occurred in the post-election period. The committee alleges that miscreants linked to the Trinamool "attacked and assaulted" Debdeep, resulting in his death.
In a post on X, the committee stated: "The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee strongly condemns the brutal murder of Congress supporter Debdeep Chatterjee in Asansol. He worked closely with the Congress candidate for Asansol North, Mr. Prasenjit Puitandi. He was attacked in a tragic incident of post-poll violence."
The committee further added, "Miscreants linked to the ruling party—the All India Trinamool Congress—attacked and assaulted him, and shortly thereafter, he succumbed to his injuries." Describing the incident as a "complete breakdown of law and order," the committee has demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, an impartial investigation, and adequate compensation for the victim's family.