K. Armstrong
K. Armstrong | |
|---|---|
| State President of Bahujan Samaj Party, Tamil Nadu | |
| In office 4 July 2010 – 5 July 2024 | |
| President | Mayawati |
| Preceded by | K. Selvaperunthagai |
| Succeeded by | P. Anandan |
| In office 24 September 2007 – 11 November 2008 | |
| President | Mayawati |
| Succeeded by | K. Selvaperunthagai |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 31 January 1972 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Died | July 5, 2024 (aged 52) |
| Manner of death | Assassination |
| Party | Bahujan Samaj Party |
| Other political affiliations | |
| Occupation | politician, lawyer, activist |
K. Armstrong (31 January 1972 [1] – 5 July 2024) was an Indian lawyer and politician from the state of Tamil Nadu. He was the state president of Tamil Nadu unit of the Bahujan Samaj Party. An Ambedkarite Buddhist, Armstrong was known as a prominent Dalit social and political activist in the state.[2]
He was assassinated outside his residence on 5 July 2024.[3][4] His murder sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu politics which triggered demand for justice and questions on ongoing violence against Dalits.[5][6]
Early life
Armstrong was born and brought up in Chennai’s Perambur to M. Krishnan and Lily.[1] His father was a supporter of Periyar and Dravida Kazhagam. After studying law from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, he began practising in the Chennai courts.[7]
Political career
In 2000, he joined active politics with the Puratchi Bharatham Katchi under the leadership of Poovai Murthy. In 2006, he contested as an independent candidate and was elected from a ward in North Chennai as a councillor in the Chennai Municipal Corporation elections. Subsequently he joined the BSP on 24 September 2007 and was made the state unit president.[8][9]
In 2011, he contested unsuccessfully against then deputy chief minister M.K Stalin in the assembly elections from Kolathur. [10] He was the state president of Bahujan Samaj Party for 17 years from 2007 till his death.[11]
Assassination
On 5 July 2024, Armstrong was attacked and killed by a group of six people near his home, which was under construction. He is survived by his wife and daughter.[12]
Reaction
His murder sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu over casteist political violence against Dalits. Among the prominent figures demanding justice included his friend and film director Pa. Ranjith. [13][14]
Election contested
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMK | M. K. Stalin | 68,677 | 48.35 | ||
| AIADMK | Saidai Duraisamy | 65,943 | 46.43 | ||
| BSP | K. Armstrong | 4,004 | 2.82 | ||
| Margin of victory | 2,734 | 1.92 | |||
| Turnout | 208,018 | 68.28 | |||
| Registered electors | 142,028 | ||||
| DMK win (new seat) | |||||
References
- ^ a b "Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu - Candidate Affidavit" (PDF).
- ^ "BSP Tamil Nadu Chief K. Armstrong's Murder Raises Many Questions". The Wire. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ "ஆம்ஸ்ட்ராங் கொலை - ஜெ.பி.நட்டா கண்டனம்". தினமணி. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ "A gold trading scam, rivalry with a gangster, and a brother's revenge – police crack murder of BSP's Tamil Nadu chief", The Indian Express, 6 July 2024, retrieved 7 July 2024
- ^ "One more person arrested in Tamil Nadu BSP leader K Armstrong murder case". South Fist.
- ^ "Cops recover 6 phones from river, used in BSP leader Armstrong's murder". India Today.
- ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (6 July 2024). "From Lawyer To BSP Tamil Nadu Chief: Who Was K Armstrong?". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ Staff, T. N. M. (6 July 2024). "Tamil Nadu BSP leader Armstrong murder: 8 suspects arrested in Chennai". The News Minute. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ "மாநகராட்சி கவுன்சிலர் டூ பகுஜன் சமாஜ் மாநிலத் தலைவர்... யார் இந்த ஆம்ஸ்ட்ராங்?". Puthiyathalaimurai (in Tamil). 5 July 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
- ^ "candidate profile". மைநேட்டா.
- ^ "வார்டு கவுன்சிலர் முதல் மாநிலத் தலைவர் வரை - பகுஜன் சமாஜ் ஆம்ஸ்ட்ராங்கின் அரசியல் பயணம்". பிபிசி. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ "Slain Tamil Nadu BSP President Armstrong laid to rest in Tiruvallur". business-standard.
- ^ "Filmmaker Pa Ranjith slams Tamil Nadu government over 'brother' K Armstrong's murder". India Today.
- ^ "BSP leader K. Armstrong's murder sets off revival of Dalit protests in T.N.'s political arena". The Hindu.
- ^ Detailes Result 2011, Aseembly Election Tamil Nadu (PDF). Election Commission of Tamil Nadu (Report). Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2021.