GUWAHATI — The political atmosphere in Assam has reached a boiling point ahead of the April 9, 2026, Assembly elections, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launching a direct attack on the family of Kunki Chowdhury, the 27-year-old Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate for Guwahati Central. The controversy has shifted the focus from local civic issues to sensitive topics of religion, food habits, and national loyalty.
- The Allegations: “Beef Eating and Anti-National Support”
During a high-octane election rally on Thursday, CM Sarma leveled serious personal charges against Kunki’s mother, Sujata Gurung Chowdhury, citing her purported social media activity.
Religious Sensitivity: Sarma alleged that her Instagram posts show her “criticizing Lord Krishna” and “challenging Sanatani people.”
Food Habits: The CM claimed she “openly eats beef,” a highly polarizing topic in the state’s political discourse.
Political Allegiances: He further accused her of supporting “anti-national” figures like jailed activists Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid and claiming “Pakistan is not an enemy nation.”
- The Response: “Scared of a 15-Day Political Career”
Kunki Chowdhury, a University College London (UCL) alumna making her electoral debut, dismissed the CM’s remarks as a sign of the BJP’s impending defeat in her constituency.
“Whole India Will Know Me”: Kunki noted that while she has been in politics for only 15 days, the CM’s targeted attacks have inadvertently given her a national platform.
Fact-Check Demand: Sujata Gurung Chowdhury challenged the BJP to provide evidence, calling the claims a “political conspiracy.” She highlighted her family’s patriotic roots, noting her grandfather, Ari Bahadur Gurung, was a signatory to the Indian Constitution as a representative of the Gorkha community.
- Guwahati Central: A Generational Face-Off
The constituency (formerly West Guwahati before the 2023 delimitation) is witnessing one of the most watched contests in the state:
The Veteran: Vijay Kumar Gupta (BJP), a seasoned politician backed by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The Challenger: Kunki Chowdhury (AJP), representing the Asom Sonmilito Morcha (a Congress-led alliance).
Core Issues: While the opposition tries to focus the campaign on “artificial flooding” and urban infrastructure, the BJP’s campaign has increasingly leaned into ideological and identity-based themes.
Assam Assembly Elections 2026: Key Stats
| Metric | Detail |
| Polling Date | April 9, 2026 |
| Counting Date | May 4, 2026 |
| Total Seats | 126 |
| Majority Mark | 64 |
| Voter Base | ~2.5 Crore (Balanced male/female ratio) |
Political Analysis
AJP chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi has condemned the remarks, stating that dragging a candidate’s mother into the fray mocks the BJP’s own ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ slogan. Analysts suggest that the BJP’s strategy of personal targeting reflects Kunki’s growing popularity among the youth and the Gorkha community in Central Guwahati, which could prove decisive in a close contest.