Guwahati | The ongoing war of words over biryani intensified in Assam’s Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll campaign, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma calling those who are “born to eat biryani” animals and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal taking a fresh swipe at Congress MP Rakibul Hussain by saying he was “born eating dry fish, not biryani”.

The remarks came amid an escalating exchange between Sarma and Hussain ahead of the October 6 bypoll. Addressing an election rally at Juria on Thursday while campaigning for BJP candidate Devasish Sharma, Sarma said, “Those who are born to drink mother’s milk are human beings, and those born to eat biryani are animals.”

His remark was in response to Hussain’s earlier sarcastic reference to biryani after Sarma had likened him to Bakasura, the mythological figure known for his enormous appetite. Sarma had also accused Hussain of “gobbling up” funds meant for government schemes.

Hussain, who represents Dhubri in the Lok Sabha, had responded by saying that God had sent him into the world to eat biryani. The exchange subsequently became a recurring theme in the campaign. Ajmal joined the verbal exchange with his own jibe at Hussain. In a statement circulated on social media, the AIUDF chief said, “Rakibul Hussain was born eating dry fish, not biryani.”

Ajmal also questioned Hussain’s ability to afford biryani, referring to what he described as the Congress leader’s humble economic background. “He was a poor man. Where would he get biryani from?” he said.

The personal exchanges came as Sarma stepped up his campaign for BJP candidate Devasish Sharma. At the Juria rally, he also targeted Congress MLA Nurul Huda over development in Rupohihat, which falls under the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency.

Sarma alleged that Huda had failed to contribute adequately to the development of schools, colleges and roads and to the delivery of government benefits to women. “A tap was promised in every house, but water never flowed out of it,” Sarma said, alleging that residents had been left with “pipes and promises”.

The chief minister also claimed that some voters who had previously supported the Congress had now realised that the BJP could provide good governance. He said he addressed three rallies in Nagaon on Thursday and claimed that the BJP would win the bypoll. Such statements are campaign claims and do not constitute an election result.

Sarma also urged Ajmal to retire from active politics and hand over responsibility to one of his three sons. He further alleged that the Congress and AIUDF were united, either directly or indirectly. The Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll is scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes on October 9. The seat fell vacant after former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigned from the Lok Sabha and subsequently joined the BJP before contesting and winning the Dispur Assembly seat.

The BJP has fielded Devasish Sharma, while the Congress has nominated former Batadroba MLA Sibamoni Bora. Ajmal is contesting the bypoll as the AIUDF candidate.