The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has removed Porkodi Armstrong, wife of slain leader Armstrong, from the post of party coordinator. The party made it clear that Porkodi would solely focus on her family and the CBI investigation of her husband’s death and not interfere in the party affairs.
In a statement issued on April 14, BSP’s national president Mayawati said that P Anandan would continue to lead the party in Tamil Nadu.
In the aftermath of Armstrong’s murder in July 2024, P Anandan, a Supreme Court lawyer, and Porkodi were given the posts of state president and coordinator, respectively. However, it is speculated that there was a rift between Porkodi and Anandan.
BSP maintained that they would offer unwavering support to Armstrong’s family and said that Armstrong’s brother would continue to be part of the party.
“As per the directive of our national president, Porkodi Armstrong will focus solely on her family and the CBI investigation into Armstrong's case. She will not engage in party matters. Armstrong's blood brother will continue his party work to the best of his capacity, and the BSP will provide unwavering support to the Armstrong family,” a party letter said.
The BSP also reiterated that the state government should transfer Armstrong’s case to the CBI.
Former BSP president Armstrong was brutally killed on July 5, 2024, in front of his under-construction home at Perambur, near Chennai. The death sparked wide protests over the alleged failure of law and order in the state. A total of 28 accused were arrested in connection with the murder, with the prime accused being identified as Nagendran. 'Sambo' Senthil and Aswathaman were named as accused 2 and 3, respectively. Meanwhile, three accused linked to the murder were shot dead by the police in an alleged encounter.