Independent candidate Kunki Choudhury has opened up about her experiences from her first electoral battle, describing the journey as a mix of “sweet and bitter moments” while reflecting on the recently concluded election.
In a video message addressed to the people of Assam, Choudhury said she received immense love, support, and blessings from the public during her campaign across different areas of Guwahati. Calling herself a “Gen Z candidate,” she said she entered the election through a “parachute landing” and travelled through the lanes, hills, and localities of Central Guwahati to connect with people.
Although she faced defeat in the election, Choudhury stated that she still considered herself victorious in many ways. She added that the election taught her important lessons about the nature and level of politics being practiced in Assam.
The young candidate alleged that important public issues such as artificial floods, infrastructure failures, and civic problems were ignored during the campaign. Instead, she claimed that political discussions revolved around personal matters related to her family background, including comments about her parents, their lifestyle, and educational details.
Choudhury particularly criticized remarks allegedly made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, referred to as “HBS” in her statement. She questioned why her family members were dragged into political narratives despite having no direct political connections.
She also pointed to statements made by winning candidates regarding their predicted victory margins before counting day. According to Choudhury, one candidate had predicted a 50,000-vote victory margin and eventually won by the same margin, while another candidate who had recently joined a political party reportedly predicted a 40,000-vote margin and secured victory accordingly.
Expressing surprise over these developments, Choudhury sarcastically referred to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and said that instead of the Bharat Ratna, he deserved a Nobel Prize.
Despite her criticism, Choudhury ended her message on an emotional note, saying she spoke “fearlessly and honestly” as a representative of the younger generation. She concluded her address with the slogan, “Joi Aai Axom.”
