The killing of K. Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu head of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and a prominent Dalit activist dedicated to supporting marginalized groups, in July 2024 profoundly changed his wife Porkodi’s life. This event prompted her to enter politics, driven by grief, determination, and a commitment to equality. Previously a homemaker raising a young child, she now advocates publicly for fairness.
Aiming to represent Dalits and other disadvantaged groups more effectively, Porkodi is running in the 2026 Tamil Nadu state assembly election from the reserved Thiru. Vi. Ka Nagar seat in northern Chennai, using the AIADMK’s two-leaves emblem. During her campaign in the area’s tight streets amid intense heat, she shared thoughts on her sorrow, feelings of disloyalty, her surprising shift to politics, internal party issues, and plans for building new coalitions.
Edited interview highlights:
The loss of your husband Armstrong pulled you into the spotlight. How are you managing this major shift? After losing my husband, I experienced an immense emptiness that was emotionally and mentally overwhelming. Yet, he taught me about endurance and social duty during his life. He put me in charge of the Buddha Vihar he founded. Like B.R. Ambedkar, he saw Buddhism as a way to end caste discrimination and promote true equity. As a politician and advocate for the underprivileged, he lived by these principles. The legacy he left guides me now, as a Dalit woman and parent, to pursue his goals of improving education and economic opportunities for the disadvantaged.
You’ve stated that your political involvement stems from seeking accountability for your husband’s killing. You’ve criticized the DMK administration’s investigation as biased and incomplete, saying key suspects remain free. Do you think politics will aid in obtaining justice? If yes, what steps will you take? Absolutely, I demand accountability for my husband’s violent death, and I’ll persist until all involved, regardless of influence, face consequences. Justice eventually prevails. In a democratic system, political influence often helps deliver fairness to victims. But my political step isn’t just about personal justice—it’s to prevent future attacks on Dalits who speak against injustice. I’m here to sustain that effort and represent those without a voice.
After your husband’s passing, BSP leader Mayawati named you state coordinator, but you were later ousted. You’ve since started the Tamil Maanila BSP. Do you see this as disloyalty? Many face disloyalty, and I did too after his death. People we trusted exploited the BSP for personal gain. But I’m not intimidated by such opportunists. As the spouse of a strong leader, I have the resolve and public backing to challenge them.
WATCH | Porkodi Armstrong during her campaign.
Do you have enough backing in your area? Have you faced disregard or overreach from allies? Yes, they’ve welcomed me like family. The area includes many low-wage workers and families in poverty, living in crowded spaces without essentials like sanitation or clean water. It’s troubling that people in a central Chennai neighborhood, in a forward-thinking state like Tamil Nadu, endure this. If elected, we’ll address these issues promptly.
