What Happened to BJP Leader Surendra Kewat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Surendra Kewat was murdered, intensifying political tensions in Bihar.
- The incident prompted sharp criticism from opposition leaders, particularly Tejashwi Yadav.
- Authorities have initiated investigations and raids to find the culprits.
- The ruling parties defended their governance and law enforcement record.
- This murder adds to a series of violent crimes occurring in the state.
Patna, July 13 (NationPress) The political climate in Bihar heightened on Sunday following the tragic murder of BJP leader and former Kisan Morcha official Surendra Kewat, who was shot dead just outside Patna. This incident has amplified the criticism directed at the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government regarding the escalating crime rate within the state.
Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly and a prominent member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), spearheaded the denunciation, highlighting the state administration's purported inability to control the rising violence.
In a post on the social media platform X, Tejashwi expressed in Hindi (translated as), "A BJP leader has been shot dead in Patna! What can be said, and to whom? Is there anyone in the NDA government willing to acknowledge the truth or their errors?"
He further questioned, "Everyone is aware of the Chief Minister's health condition, but what are the two ineffective BJP deputy chief ministers doing?" He criticized the NDA for a perceived lack of leadership and governance in the state.
According to police officer Kanhaiya Singh, Kewat was ambushed by two individuals on a motorcycle while he was attending to his fields.
"Kewat was swiftly transported to AIIMS, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries during treatment," Singh stated.
Authorities have initiated an investigation and are conducting raids in pursuit of the assailants.
The murder of Kewat adds to a disturbing trend of violent crimes in the state capital, which includes the high-profile murders of businessman Gopal Khemka, sand trader Ramakant Yadav, and most recently, Vikram Jha, the owner of Trishna Mart, who was fatally shot in the Zakariapur region.
In response to these alarming incidents, RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha remarked to IANS, "Every day, the law and order situation in Bihar deteriorates. There is either a murder or a rape occurring. What have they transformed Bihar into? It feels like Bihar is on autopilot, with turbulence becoming the new norm here."
While the opposition launched a fierce critique, ruling party officials defended the government's track record. Shahnawaz Hussain, BJP national spokesperson, asserted to IANS, "Law and order remains intact in Bihar. Under Nitish Kumar, there is effective governance. The perpetrators of today's incident will face justice, much like those responsible for Gopal Khemka's murder. Tejashwi Yadav should refrain from discussing such matters, particularly considering how, during RJD's tenure, the police, government, and criminals colluded."
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar acknowledged the incident, stating, "No one is disputing that a crime took place, but appropriate measures will be taken. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau indicates a decline in crime rates in Bihar, including murders. The government is dedicated to holding offenders accountable."
Nonetheless, RJD national spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari dismissed these claims, telling IANS, "Every day, multiple murders are occurring across the state. Every day, lives are lost. Nitish Kumar has lost touch with reality. Tejaswi Yadav is persistently questioning the government regarding the increasing crime, yet there are no satisfactory answers."
"Anarchy prevails in Bihar. The jungle raj is thriving. Criminals exhibit no fear, committing offenses wherever they please. Nitish Kumar's authority has diminished," he concluded.