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K. Armstrong
Indian lawyer and politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
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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]
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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]
References
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