Patna: A BJP leader was the latest target of assailants in the capital city of Bihar. Surendra Kewat (52) was tending to his fields near the Bihta-Sarmera State Highway 78 late on Saturday evening when four motorcycle-borne men shot at him. The former Kisan Morcha president of Punpun was rushed to AIIMS Patna where he died during treatment.
This targeted killing that came a week after the murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka close to his house near the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, has raised further concerns for the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in the state ahead of Assembly elections in the state.
Not only the Opposition, even Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan – an NDA ally in the Centre – has raised questions about the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar. Paswan, a Union minister, is likely to fight the Bihar Assembly polls.
SDPO Kanhaiya Singh said that an investigation is underway and Kewat’s relatives have been questioned. Raids are underway at a number of locations to track down the killers.
The BJP leader’s murder comes as another challenge for the Nitish Kumar government in the election year as it struggles to counter the Opposition’s narrative on Bihar’s law and order situation.
RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, who is Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, targeted the state government immediately after the murder.
“And now, a BJP leader shot dead in Patna! What to say, and to whom? Is there anyone in the NDA government willing to listen to the truth or admit their mistakes? Everyone knows about the CM’s health, but what are the two useless BJP deputy chief ministers doing?” he posted on X.
Law and order has become a major issue in Bihar with several murders reported from across the state over the last few months. Even Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had attacked the NDA government for turning Bihar into the ‘crime capital’ of India.
“Bihar is today living in the shadow of loot, bullets and murder. Crime has become the new normal and the government has completely failed. Bihar’s brothers and sisters, this injustice cannot be tolerated anymore. The government that cannot protect your children cannot take responsibility for your future. Every murder, loot and bullet is a cry for change. It is time for a new Bihar where progress, and not fear, resides. This is not an election just to change the government, but to save Bihar,” he had posted on X.
Union minister and former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi had hit back and accused the RJD of backing criminals to malign the state government. “Criminals are no longer entertained in Bihar chief minister’s residence. They are gunned down. Those raising questions on law and order should understand this,” he had stated.
a BJP leader. Two men on a bike shot BJP leader Surendra Kewat dead in Sheikpura and sped away. The 52-year-old suffered four bullet injuries in the attack. He was rushed to the AIIMS in Patna, where he died during treatment.
MLA Gopal Ravidas and former Minister Shyam Rajak reached the hospital and met Mr Kewat’s family members and asked the hospital administration to ensure the swift completion of formalities. Police have started their investigation into the murder and forensic teams have been called in. Raids are being conducted to nab the accused.
“Surendra was working in the fields when unidentified men shot him