Assam: Badruddin Ajmal accused of making late-night mosque visits, seeking votes through religious appeals

AIUDF chief and Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll candidate Badruddin Ajmal has come under criticism over an alleged late-night campaign strategy involving visits to mosques and appeals to Muslim voters in the Dhing constituency.

According to claims circulating about the campaign, Ajmal visited Kadamoni Jame Masjid on Saturday night and addressed people inside the mosque. He was reportedly seen crying while appealing for votes and also praying during the collective prayers.

Ajmal is further alleged to have held a meeting with around 200 imams and the Ameer of the Tablighi Jamaat, where discussions were reportedly centred on securing Muslim votes for the AIUDF.

The allegations come amid a closely fought Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, with the BJP, Congress and AIUDF seeking to consolidate their respective voter bases. Ajmal's alleged mosque-to-mosque campaign has drawn attention as the contest enters its final phase, particularly amid claims that the AIUDF chief is seeking to retain his influence among minority voters.

Ajmal is also facing an FIR filed by BJP candidate Devashish Sharma at Nagaon Sadar Police Station on October 3. Sharma has alleged that Ajmal made false and defamatory remarks against him during the campaign, including allegedly referring to him as a “murderer”.

Reacting to the FIR, Ajmal described the complaint as a “blessing” and claimed that voters in Nagaon would ensure his victory by a margin of 10 lakh votes.

“Filing an FIR is a blessing for me. The people of Nagaon will make me win by 10 lakh votes and take revenge for Devashish Sharma,” Ajmal said.

He also said his electoral contest was against both the BJP and Congress.

The Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll will be held on October 6, while counting is scheduled for October 9. BJP's Devashish Sharma, Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora and Ajmal are among the key candidates in the contest.