The Nagaon bypoll has entered a fresh controversy after BJP candidate Debashish Sharma filed an FIR against AIUDF chief and rival candidate Badruddin Ajmal over remarks made during an election campaign. Sharma alleged that Ajmal falsely accused him of being responsible for the death of a woman and referred to him as a “murderer”.
The complaint was filed at Nagaon Sadar Police Station on October 3, just three days before polling. The Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled to vote on October 6, while counting will take place on October 9.
Nagaon bypoll sees FIR over campaign remarks
According to Sharma, Ajmal made the allegations while addressing an election meeting during the ongoing Nagaon bypoll campaign. The BJP candidate linked the remarks to an earlier controversy involving a woman identified as Mumtaz Begum.
Sharma rejected Ajmal’s allegations and said they could damage his reputation among voters. He also argued that the issue was being raised during the election campaign despite the circumstances surrounding the earlier incident.
After filing the FIR, Sharma said political rivals should not make what he described as false allegations against candidates. However, the filing of an FIR only records the complaint and does not establish the allegations as fact.
Sharma rejects ‘murderer’ allegation
Speaking after submitting the complaint, Sharma said Ajmal had called him a murderer. He also referred to a court order connected with the earlier matter and said an officer was required to comply with such an order.
Sharma further said the controversy had resurfaced because of the election. He questioned why the matter was being raised at this stage and accused his rival of using it against him before voters.
The BJP candidate also said he would pursue legal action over the remarks. He indicated that the matter could be taken to the Supreme Court, while continuing his campaign against Ajmal.
Nagaon bypoll campaign grows more heated
The FIR has added another contentious issue to an already closely watched Nagaon bypoll campaign. Ajmal, who heads the All India United Democratic Front, is contesting the seat against Sharma and Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora, among others.
Ajmal entered the contest after the AIUDF selected him as its candidate. He is currently the MLA from Binnakandi and is also a former three-time Lok Sabha member from Dhubri. His entry broadened the contest beyond the BJP-Congress rivalry initially expected in Nagaon.
Meanwhile, Sharma joined the BJP shortly after taking voluntary retirement from the IAS. He had served as Nagaon’s district commissioner before entering electoral politics and receiving the BJP nomination.
Polling set for October 6
The Nagaon bypoll was necessitated after Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi vacated the Lok Sabha seat earlier this year. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for October 6 and counting for October 9.
The candidates filed their nominations in September. Sharma, Ajmal, Bora and Trinamool Congress candidate Abdul Salam are among those contesting the seat.
With voting only days away, the FIR has brought legal allegations directly into the campaign. Moreover, the dispute highlights how personal accusations and competing claims can become prominent during the final phase of an election.
Legal complaint adds pressure before voting
The immediate focus will now remain on the complaint filed by Sharma and any action taken by the police. Ajmal’s alleged remarks remain allegations attributed to him by Sharma and reported by news outlets; they should not be treated as established findings unless verified through legal proceedings.
For voters, the dispute comes as campaigning reaches its final days. Therefore, the FIR is likely to remain a significant part of the political debate in Nagaon until polling on October 6.
Overall, the latest development adds a legal dimension to an increasingly intense contest. The outcome of the Nagaon bypoll will be decided by voters, while the allegations raised in the FIR will have to be addressed through the appropriate legal process.