Guwahati, April 3: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has triggered a major political firestorm after calling for legal action against the family of Kunki Chowdhury, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate for Guwahati Central.

Speaking at a campaign rally on Thursday, the Chief Minister alleged that Chowdhury’s parents had shared photographs on social media depicting the consumption of beef, an act he characterized as an affront to the “Sanatani” community.

Displaying images from a mobile phone during his address, Sarma claimed the photos were sourced from the Instagram account of the candidate’s mother, Sujata Gurung Chowdhury.

“Public should file an FIR against AJP candidate Kunki Chowdhury’s parents for posting beef consumption photos on social media,” the Chief Minister stated. “No Hindu can vote for a candidate whose parents eat beef.”

In addition to the dietary controversy, Sarma leveled further accusations against the candidate’s family, alleging they had previously shared “anti-national” content on social media, including posts supporting controversial activists and expressing pro-Pakistan sentiments.

The opposition has reacted with sharp condemnation, accusing the Chief Minister of stooping to a new low in political discourse. AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi slammed the remarks, stating that the BJP is attempting to polarize the electorate to distract from pressing issues like unemployment and the recurring artificial floods in Guwahati.