Nagaon Bypoll: BJP's Debashish Sharma files FIR against Badruddin Ajmal over 'murderer' remark

BJP candidate Debashish Sharma has filed an FIR against AIUDF chief and Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll candidate Badruddin Ajmal at Nagaon Sadar Police Station, alleging that Ajmal made false and defamatory remarks against him during the ongoing election campaign. The FIR comes three days before polling for the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat, which is scheduled for October 6.

According to Sharma, Ajmal made serious allegations against him while addressing an election meeting, including accusing him of being responsible for the death of Mumtaz Begum and allegedly referring to him as a "murderer".

Speaking after filing the FIR on Saturday, Sharma rejected the allegations and said such statements could damage his reputation among voters.

"Badruddin Ajmal, FIR. He said I am a murderer. He talks about pushback, but there was an order from the court, and an officer has to obey, or else we will get arrested. What were the ministers doing at that time? Suddenly, because of the elections, this topic was picked up. Now, why are they doing this?" Sharma said.

Sharma also criticised Ajmal over his campaign promises concerning improvements to schools and healthcare facilities, questioning how the proposed measures would be funded.

"He talks about schools, healthcare facilities, to change and upgrade them, but to do that, will he give the money from his pocket? He does not have any shame. He says these things only for votes. I will see who will go to jail. We will take this to the Supreme Court. He has violated the law as well. With the help of the law, we will take action," he said.

The BJP candidate also referred to the controversy surrounding the alleged incident involving Mumtaz Begum and said the issue was being raised during the election campaign.

Sharma further criticised Ajmal over his political record and questioned his connect with voters.

"In the Dhubri elections, he lost 1 lakh votes. Now everyone is asking for answers. People want change. If he wins the elections, he will flee to Bombay. He can't even speak Assamese or Bangla. A politician should have a connection with the people. What did he do for the people?" he said.

The BJP candidate also invoked Assam's cultural identity while attacking Ajmal's campaign statements.

"In the end, wherever I say, it's Zubeen and Bhupen Da's state. The person who neglects it, who does not understand culture or anything. He wants to take the people in a state where people will lose their identity. If he lies, calls someone a murderer or slaps someone, for what is he asking for votes?" Sharma said.

Sharma said political parties and candidates should refrain from making what he described as false allegations against rivals during the election campaign. He maintained that the allegations made against him were serious and had the potential to affect his reputation among the electorate.

The Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll is being contested by BJP's Debashish Sharma, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal and Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora, among others. Polling is scheduled for October 6, with counting set for October 9.