BJP Leader Surendra Kewat Shot Dead in Patna Amid Law and Order Crisis in Bihar
BJP Leader Surendra Kewat Shot Dead in Patna, Days After Gopal Khemka’s Murder
Patna, July 12, 2025 — In yet another shocking incident that has sent shockwaves across Bihar, BJP leader Surendra Kewat was shot dead in Sheikpura, Patna, barely a week after the murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka. The brazen daylight killings have reignited the debate over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar, placing the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government under intense political scrutiny ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Broad Daylight Attack
Surendra Kewat, a 52-year-old former BJP Kisan Morcha leader, was working in his fields when two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire. He was shot four times and rushed to AIIMS Patna, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The attackers fled the scene immediately.
Confirming the incident, police officer Kanhaiya Singh said, “Surendra was working in the fields when unknown assailants shot him. We’ve recorded statements from his relatives and have launched a thorough investigation.”
Political Reactions and Panic in the Region
The murder of Kewat has triggered fear and outrage among locals and within political circles. Prominent leaders like MLA Gopal Ravidas and former minister Shyam Rajak visited AIIMS to console the bereaved family and demanded swift justice.
The incident has added fuel to the ongoing political war over the state’s worsening crime graph. The RJD-Congress opposition alliance has seized the moment to corner the JDU-BJP government.
Tejashwi Yadav Slams NDA Govt
Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, took to X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the government’s failure to maintain law and order.
“And now, a BJP leader shot dead in Patna! What to say, and to whom? Is there anyone in the NDA government willing to admit their mistakes?” he posted.
“Everyone knows about the CM’s health, but what are the two useless BJP deputy chief ministers doing?” he questioned.
Rahul Gandhi Calls for Change
The attack follows Rahul Gandhi’s strong criticism of the Bihar government in the wake of Gopal Khemka’s murder. Labeling Bihar as “India’s crime capital,” Gandhi stated:
“Bihar is today living in the shadow of loot, bullets and murder. Crime has become the new normal. The government has completely failed.”
He added that the upcoming elections are not just about changing the government but about saving Bihar from fear and lawlessness.
Government Response and Blame Game
In response, Union Minister and former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi accused the RJD of protecting criminals, suggesting a political conspiracy to discredit the NDA government.
“Criminals are no longer entertained at the CM’s residence. They are being dealt with. Those questioning the law and order must look at their own backyard,” Manjhi retorted.
Meanwhile, police have formed special teams and launched raids in surrounding areas to track down the shooters. Forensic experts have been deployed to gather clues from the crime scene.
Rising Crime Ahead of Elections
The twin murders of Gopal Khemka and Surendra Kewat in quick succession are raising alarms about Bihar’s safety, particularly in urban and semi-urban pockets. The timing of the crimes, so close to the elections, threatens to undermine the credibility of Nitish Kumar’s administration, which has already been criticized for its sluggish response to earlier criminal incidents.
Both killings also come at a time when the political environment is highly charged, with alliances being tested and narratives shaped ahead of the 2025 Assembly Elections.