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 July 5, 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
editArmstrong 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
editIn 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 and in 2007 was made the state unit president. [8]
In 2011, he contested unsuccessfully against then deputy chief minister M.K Stalin in the assembly elections from Kolathur. [9] He was the state president of Bahujan Samaj Party for 17 years from 2007 till his death.[10]
Murder
editOn July 5, 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.[11]
Reaction
editHis 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. [12][13]
References
edit- ^ a b "Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu - Candidate Affidavit" (PDF).
- ^ "BSP Tamil Nadu Chief K. Armstrong's Murder Raises Many Questions". The Wire. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
- ^ "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, 2024-07-06, retrieved 2024-07-07
- ^ "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. (2024-07-06). "From Lawyer To BSP Tamil Nadu Chief: Who Was K Armstrong?". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
- ^ Staff, T. N. M. (2024-07-06). "Tamil Nadu BSP leader Armstrong murder: 8 suspects arrested in Chennai". The News Minute. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
- ^ "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.