Defamation Suit Looms Over Assam Chief Minister After Election Remarks
Background of the Controversy
File image of Sujata Gurung Chowdhury, mother of Opposition Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury (Photo: X)
Guwahati, May 13: Following the swearing-in of Himanta Biswa Sarma for a second term as Chief Minister of Assam, he is now potentially facing a defamation lawsuit initiated by the mother of an Opposition candidate. This comes in light of comments allegedly made during the recent Assembly election campaign.
Details of the Allegations
Sujata Gurung Chowdhury, the mother of Kunki Chowdhury, who ran for the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), has expressed her intention to file a defamation suit for a nominal amount of Re 1 against Sarma, alongside a demand for a public apology.
In a letter posted on social media, Sujata characterized herself as an ordinary citizen whose name was frequently mentioned by the Chief Minister during campaign events. She accused Sarma of making 'false allegations' with malicious intent throughout the election period.
Sujata's Response and Claims
In her letter, she stated, 'Hon’ble CM Sirjee, it may be noted that your defamation suit will be for an amount of Rs 1.00 (Rupee one only) along with a public apology from you,' without indicating when she would file the suit.
Sujata claimed that Sarma's remarks have led to her public 'character assassination' and have jeopardized her family's safety.
She alleged that Sarma labeled her as a 'beef eater', a non-sanatani, and an anti-India communist without knowing her personally or understanding her background.
Political Context and Personal Impact
According to Sujata, these comments were strategically aimed at shaping an election narrative to gain political advantage.
Her only link to Sarma is through her daughter, Kunki Chowdhury, who contested from the Guwahati Central constituency but lost to BJP's Vijay Kumar Gupta.
She explained her previous silence during the campaign, stating that responding to a 'political hound' seemed futile.
Constitutional Rights and Safety Concerns
Now that Sarma is in office, Sujata emphasized that he is accountable to her and the public, while also congratulating him on his victory.
She asserted that every Indian citizen has the constitutional right to choose their religion, culture, dietary preferences, and ideology.
Moreover, she expressed concern that images of her minor children have been shared publicly, putting their safety at risk.
Continuing the Fight
She concluded her letter by stating that while the issue may seem trivial to a powerful leader, it has been a 'life-changing' experience for her as an ordinary citizen.
Despite Sarma's electoral success, she vowed to continue her fight for the rights of common people.
As of now, there has been no response from Sarma or the BJP regarding these allegations.
Previously, Sujata had approached the National Commission for Women, accusing Sarma of making 'false, baseless, and malicious' statements during the campaign.
In her complaint filed on April 11, she sought legal action against the Chief Minister for allegedly inciting public sentiment through 'fake propaganda' targeting her daughter politically.