Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Monday stepped up his attack on the BJP over alleged communal politics and the use of religion in electoral campaigning, urging voters to reject what he described as divisive politics in the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election.

Addressing an election meeting in Dhing locality in Nagaon, Gogoi said the electorate would send a message against communal politics, linking his remarks to Batadrava, the birthplace of Vaishnavite saint and social reformer Srimanta Sankardeva.

“This time, people will vote against communal politics,” Gogoi said, adding that the message would come from Batadrava. The Congress leader also targeted the BJP over its references to Hinduism, alleging financial irregularities involving funds meant for the Ram Temple and questioning the party’s decision to give ministerial positions to individuals facing allegations of cow theft.

“People from the party that talks about Hinduism steal money meant for the Ram Temple, give tickets to people facing allegations of cow theft and make them ministers,” Gogoi said. His remarks came as the Congress intensified its campaign for party candidate Sibamoni Bora, a former MLA from Batadrava.

The party had announced Bora’s candidature earlier this month for the by-election scheduled on October 6, with counting of votes set for October 9.

Gogoi has previously described the Nagaon contest as a direct political battle with the BJP and alleged that the BJP and AIUDF share an understanding ahead of the bypoll.

The two parties have fielded Devasish Sharma and Badruddin Ajmal, respectively.

Congress leaders Rakibul Hussain and Wazed Ali Choudhury also attended the campaign meeting and sought support for Bora.

The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi left the party and joined the BJP before winning the Dispur Assembly constituency. The bypoll has turned into a multi-cornered contest, with 25 candidates filing nominations, including nominees from the BJP, Congress, AIUDF and Trinamool Congress.