Guwahati, April 12: Assam Jatiya Parishad candidate Kunki Chowdhury appeared before police at Panbazar Police Station in Guwahati on April 12 after being summoned in connection with an election-related case, intensifying political tensions in the state.
Chowdhury reached the police station in the morning in response to a notice directing her to appear before 11 am, which warned that non-compliance could lead to arrest. The case was registered on April 9, the day of polling, based on a complaint filed by a BJP worker alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct and interference with free and fair elections. The FIR also names her campaign manager Sandeep Yadav.
Her counsel, Santanu Borthakur, stated that the charges listed in the FIR are bailable and not of a serious nature, alleging that the summons was intended to harass the candidate. He also raised concerns over the timing and wording of the notice.
The development comes amid a charged political environment in the Guwahati Central constituency, where Chowdhury, a first-time candidate, is contesting against BJP leader Vijay Kumar Gupta.
Reacting strongly, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi described the summons as “shocking and unfortunate,” accusing the ruling party of misusing the police and administrative machinery for political purposes. He also questioned why no action had been taken on a complaint filed by Chowdhury regarding an alleged deepfake video targeting her family.
The controversy follows earlier remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had warned of legal action against Chowdhury’s parents over allegations related to food habits—claims that the AJP candidate has dismissed as baseless.
Polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam was held on April 9, recording a high voter turnout, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
