Guwahati, April 3: The battle for the newly formed Guwahati Central (No. 36) seat has escalated into a war of words over generational identity. BJP veteran Vijay Kumar Gupta has dismissed the “youth wave” narrative surrounding his 27-year-old opponent, Kunki Chowdhury of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), calling the label “Gen-Z” a mere political “narration.” He further added that Gen-Z is nothing but energy, “Anyone with an energetic spirit is a Gen-Z”.

“I am also Gen-Z. You are also Gen-Z,” the 70-year-old leader remarked, asserting that the spirit of the younger generation aligns with the BJP’s vision for national progress. Gupta, a long-time party core committee member and former State Vice President, has countered the focus on his opponent’s age by doubling down on his “Experience + Infrastructure” platform. His flagship promise includes establishing a mini stadium in every ward to channel “youth energy” toward the right path.

The contest is one of the most watched in the April 9, 2026, Assam Assembly elections. Kunki Chowdhury, a University College London(UCL) graduate and the youngest candidate in the fray, has positioned herself as a reformist alternative. While she focuses on modernizing urban management and skill hubs, Gupta’s campaign relies on the BJP’s established organizational machine and a narrative of developmental stability.

With over 1.91 lakh voters across key areas like Fancy Bazar, Pan Bazar, and GS Road, the result on May 4 will determine if the urban electorate prioritizes the “tried and tested” leadership of a veteran or the aspirational change of a newcomer.