Badruddin Ajmal has faced criticism over allegations that he has been making late-night visits to mosques in Assam while seeking electoral support through religious appeals. The allegations have emerged during the campaign for the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, scheduled for October 6.
Ajmal, chief of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), is contesting the bypoll and seeking a return to the Lok Sabha after losing the Dhubri seat in the 2024 general election. His campaign has drawn close attention as parties compete for support in a constituency with a sizeable minority electorate.
Badruddin Ajmal faces allegations over mosque visits
The latest criticism centres on allegations that Badruddin Ajmal has been visiting mosques at night during the campaign and using religious settings to appeal for votes. The claims should be treated as allegations, as available reports do not independently establish that every alleged visit involved a direct appeal for votes.
The controversy comes as the Nagaon contest enters its final stretch. Ajmal is facing BJP candidate Debasish Sharma and Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora, along with other contenders.
Meanwhile, campaign activity has intensified across the constituency, with political parties focusing on different sections of the electorate.
Religious appeals become campaign issue
Badruddin Ajmal has previously faced criticism over the use of religious themes in election campaigns. His political speeches have often referred to issues affecting Muslims, including mosques, religious practices and community concerns.
However, Ajmal has also sought to present his campaign as broader than community politics. Recent election coverage has reported his claim that he expects support from both Muslim and Hindu voters.
His campaign has also included direct attacks on the BJP and Congress. In September, Ajmal urged voters in Nagaon to accept benefits allegedly offered by the BJP but vote for him instead. He accused both major parties of failing voters.
Nagaon bypoll raises political stakes
The Nagaon bypoll has gained importance because of its closely contested political landscape. More than 11.38 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots across five Assembly segments, while political observers have highlighted the significance of the minority electorate.
The contest also offers Ajmal an opportunity to rebuild his parliamentary presence. He represented Dhubri in the Lok Sabha from 2009 until 2024 but suffered a major defeat in the last general election.
Congress candidate Rakibul Hussain defeated him in Dhubri by more than 10 lakh votes in 2024. That result weakened AIUDF’s position and raised questions about Ajmal’s influence among the voters who had traditionally supported his party.
Badruddin Ajmal campaign under scrutiny
The allegations over mosque visits have added another layer to an already competitive campaign. Critics argue that religious appeals during elections can shift attention away from development, jobs, infrastructure and other local concerns.
At the same time, political leaders are free to discuss issues affecting religious communities, provided their campaign statements comply with election rules and applicable law. The key issue is whether religious spaces are being used for electoral mobilisation in ways that violate those rules.
Badruddin Ajmal has remained an active campaigner despite criticism of his political approach. His recent statements show an effort to retain his core support while also reaching voters beyond his traditional base.
Final campaign days bring sharper focus
With polling scheduled for October 6, the final days of campaigning are likely to keep attention on the conduct and messaging of all candidates. The Election Commission’s rules governing campaign activity, including appeals based on religion, remain relevant to the debate.
Overall, the allegations against Badruddin Ajmal highlight the sensitive role of religion in Assam’s electoral politics. However, claims about specific mosque visits and alleged vote appeals need to remain clearly attributed unless independently verified.
For voters, the Nagaon contest now brings competing messages on development, representation and community interests into sharper focus. The result will also indicate whether Ajmal can regain parliamentary ground after his 2024 defeat.
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