Amethi: Surendra Singh, BJP Worker And Smriti Irani Aide, Shot Dead by Unidentified Assailants
Surendra Singh played a key role in galvanising BJP workers and laying groundwork for Smriti Irani over the last few years.
Amethi, May 26: BJP worker and close aide of lawmaker-elect Smriti Irani was shot dead by unidentified assailants at his residence last night. The incident has sparked tensions in the region, which emotions are running high following the rout of Congress president Rahul Gandhi from the constituency.
Singh was a former pradhan of Baraulia village under Jamo police station limits. He had played a key role in galvanising BJP workers and laying groundwork for Smriti Irani over the last few years. Pollsters in Awadh region credit him to have played a big role in Irani's giant-killer win against Gandhi. Smriti Irani Thanks Amethi For Showing Faith in Her, Tweets Couplet to Celebrate Victory Against Rahul Gandhi
An investigation has been launched into his murder. A preliminary probe has revealed that the bike-borne assailants came in the night, when Singh was asleep in the verandah outside his home. The gunmen launched open fire and escaped from the spot.
Singh was rushed to the nearest medical facility, where he was declared on arrival. The murder has led to speculations on whether vindictive politics will gain an upper hand in Amethi.
Notably, the Nehru-Gandhi bastion was eroded in the Lok Sabha elections 2019, as the Congress list the constituency for the first-time in last 39 years.
Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a press conference on Thursday, conceded his defeat and and congratulated Irani for winning over the confidence of Amethi voters. "I appeal her to take care of Amethi with love," he had said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 26, 2019 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).