Guwahati: Kunki Chowdhury, the ‘Gen Z’ Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate for the 36 Guwahati Central constituency, on Thursday hit back at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his remarks concerning her mother, terming the allegations “entirely baseless” and asserting that the controversy had only amplified her political visibility.
Responding to the Chief Minister’s comments, Chowdhury said dragging her mother into the political discourse had backfired. “By bringing my mother’s name into the discussion, the issue has now reached a wider audience across the country,” she said, adding that the attention had introduced her to a broader public.
The remarks came after the Chief Minister raised questions about the background and social media activity of Chowdhury’s mother, Sujata Gurung Chowdhury. He said that certain posts were “hurtful to sentiments” and referred to content he claimed was critical of Sanatan Dharma.
The Chief Minister further said that she had expressed support for individuals such as Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, and had made controversial remarks relating to the “chicken’s neck” corridor and India’s relations with Pakistan. He also urged AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi to check backgrounds of candidates before fielding them.
Chowdhury, however, dismissed the allegations and suggested that the comments reflected the Chief Minister’s political unease. “This development indicates a sense of insecurity among some political actors in Guwahati Central. Their reaction suggests they are unsettled by my entry into politics,” she said.
Reiterating her position, she said, “I am steadfast in my resolve. We will continue to represent the voice of the people of Guwahati Central and the new generation of Assam. The comments made by the Chief Minister are completely unfounded.”
Speaking about her brief political journey, Chowdhury noted that she had entered active politics only about two weeks ago but had received significant public support. She said the response from voters had been encouraging and had already begun to make an impact in the constituency.