Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury appeared at Panbazar Police Station on April 12 after receiving a summons in an election-related case, a development that has provoked sharp political reactions in the state. The notice, which required her to appear by 11 am and warned that failure to comply could invite arrest, follows an FIR registered on April 9 — the day of polling — based on a complaint by a BJP worker alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and disruption of free and fair voting. The FIR names Chowdhury and her campaign manager, Sandeep Yadav.
Chowdhury’s lawyer, Santanu Borthakur, told reporters the offences listed in the FIR are bailable and “not serious,” and he alleged the case and the timing of the summons were intended to harass the candidate. He also questioned the language and issuance of the notice.
The case comes amid a tense contest in the Guwahati Central constituency, where debutant Kunki Chowdhury is challenging BJP veteran Vijay Kumar Gupta. AJP leaders have strongly condemned the summons as politically motivated. Party president Lurinjyoti Gogoi described the notice as “shocking and unfortunate,” and accused the ruling party of misusing the police and administration for political ends.
Gogoi also raised concerns about a separate complaint filed by Chowdhury alleging a deepfake video targeting her family, asking why those responsible had not been arrested. The controversy follows earlier remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who threatened legal action against Chowdhury’s parents over alleged comments about food habits — claims the AJP candidate has dismissed as baseless.
Polling for all 126 Assam Assembly constituencies was held on April 9, recording a reported turnout of 85.96 per cent. Votes from the election will be counted on May 4. The summons and FIR have added to tensions in the run-up to the count and underscored accusations from the AJP that state institutions are being used for partisan aims.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/ajp-candidate-kunki-chowdhury-appears-before-police-in-poll-case-party-calls-move-politically-motivated-1374440-2026-04-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-04-12 14:49:00
