Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Assam Assembly Elections
Chief Minister's Allegations Spark Controversy
Assam CM at an electoral campaign programme in Naoboicha, on Monday. (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, Mar 2: As the Assam Assembly elections approach, with only six days remaining, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made serious allegations against the family of Kunki Chowdhury, a candidate from the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), igniting a new political controversy.
During a press conference following a campaign event in Khowang on Thursday, Sarma accused Sujata Chowdhury Gurung, the mother of the Guwahati Central candidate, of making statements he labeled as 'anti-national'.
The Chief Minister claimed that Gurung had expressed support for student activists Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, who have been imprisoned since 2020 in relation to the Delhi riots 'larger conspiracy' case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Sarma stated, 'Her mother, originally from Sikkim, has openly supported Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid. She has also suggested that severing the Chicken’s Neck, the crucial Siliguri Corridor, is acceptable, and has made comments that imply disbelief in Lord Krishna.'
Furthermore, Sarma accused Gurung of harboring pro-Pakistan sentiments, questioning whether Pakistan is genuinely an adversary, despite prevailing political narratives.
In a further escalation, the Chief Minister alleged that Gurung had posted images on social media of herself consuming beef, which he claimed offended the sentiments of those who follow Sanatan traditions. 'By doing this, she is challenging the beliefs of Sanatani Dharma followers,' he remarked.
Sarma also directed his criticism at the AJP leadership, questioning party chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi for nominating Chowdhury for such a significant seat. 'This illustrates the type of leadership and ideological stance the party embodies,' he asserted, urging Gogoi to address the allegations publicly.
Attempts to contact Chowdhury for her comments went unanswered, as the polling date draws near, intensifying the political discourse in Assam as parties ramp up their attacks in the final days of campaigning.