Assam CM targets AJP nominee’s mother; flags ‘anti-national’ remarks

Guwahati, Mar 2: With just six days left for the Assam Assembly elections and campaigning entering a high-voltage phase, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has levelled a series of allegations against the family of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury, triggering a fresh political row.

Addressing the press after a campaign rally in Khowang on Thursday, Sarma accused Sujata Chowdhury Gurung, the mother of the Guwahati Central candidate, of expressing views that he described as “anti-national”.

The Chief Minister alleged that Gurung had shown support for student activists Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, both of whom have been detained since 2020 in connection with the Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

“Her mother, who is from Sikkim, has openly expressed support for Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid. She has also said that cutting off the Chicken’s Neck, the strategic Siliguri Corridor, is not wrong, and has made remarks indicating that she does not believe in Lord Krishna,” Sarma said.

Sarma also accused her of expressing views sympathetic towards Pakistan. “She has questioned whether Pakistan is truly an enemy, despite political narratives suggesting so,” he told the press.

Escalating his attack, the Chief Minister alleged that Gurung had shared images of consuming beef on social media, which he claimed hurt the sentiments of followers of Sanatan traditions. “By doing so, she is challenging the beliefs of Sanatani Dharma followers,” he added.

Turning his criticism towards the AJP leadership, Sarma questioned party chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi for fielding Chowdhury as a candidate from the prestigious seat.

“This reflects the kind of leadership and ideological position the party holds,” he said, and challenged Gogoi to publicly respond to the allegations.

When The Assam Tribune reached out to Chowdhury for her response, she did not respond to repeated calls

With polling just days away, the campaign in Assam has seen an escalation in political rhetoric, with parties intensifying attacks as the contest enters its final stretch.