Guwahati: Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury appeared before police at Panbazar Police Station on Sunday after being summoned in connection with an alleged Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation during the Assam Assembly elections, triggering sharp political reactions.
Chowdhury reached the police station in the morning in compliance with a notice directing her to appear before 11 am, which had warned that failure to do so could invite arrest under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). She was questioned for nearly two hours by investigating officials.
The case, registered on April 9 — the day of polling, stems from a complaint filed by BJP worker Naba Kumar Lahkar, alleging violations of election norms and disruption of free and fair polling. The FIR names Chowdhury and her campaign manager Sandeep Yadav, invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Representation of the People Act.
Addressing the media after her appearance, Chowdhury rejected the allegations and said she had cooperated fully with the investigation.
“An FIR was filed against me, making some false allegations. So I came here to give a statement. I presented my side and gave my statement. I have full faith in the system, and it will investigate thoroughly,” she said.
Her counsel, Santanu Borthakur, maintained that the charges mentioned in the FIR are bailable and “not serious,” alleging that the case and summons were intended to harass the candidate. He also raised concerns over the timing and language of the notice.
The development has intensified the political atmosphere in the Guwahati Central constituency, where Chowdhury, a 27-year-old debutant and one of the youngest candidates in the fray, is contesting against BJP veteran Vijay Kumar Gupta.
AJP leaders condemned the move, calling it politically motivated. Party president Lurinjyoti Gogoi described the summons as “shocking and unfortunate,” alleging misuse of the police and administrative machinery by the ruling dispensation.
Gogoi also questioned the lack of action on a complaint filed by Chowdhury regarding an alleged deepfake video targeting her family, asking why those responsible had not been arrested.
The controversy comes amid earlier remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had threatened legal action against Chowdhury’s parents over allegations related to food habits—claims the AJP candidate has dismissed as baseless.
Polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam was held on April 9, recording a voter turnout of 85.96 per cent. Votes are scheduled to be counted on May 4.