A criminal case has been filed against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy over his remarks on mosque, reports CNN-IBN.

Times of India (TOI) reports cutting across party lines, political leaders here came down heavily on BJP leader Subramanian Swamy for what they described as 'objectionable' remarks on mosques and churches.

Swamy, who had in November last angered the people of the state by saying the Assam Accord has become outdated, sparked controversy again on Saturday by describing mosques and churches as mere buildings for offering prayers. He, on the other hand, described temples as places where Gods live. He was speaking at a function of a private university here.

Describing Swamy's remarks as 'absurd', chief minister Tarun Gogoi said, ‘Mosques, churches and temples are holy places, not just places of worship.’

Swamy's party colleague and state BJP president Siddhartha Bhattacharjee was equally unsparing. ‘It is a ploy to grab the headlines,’ Bhattacharjee said, adding, ‘Every time he comes to the state, he makes such statements only to be in the news. I am sending video clippings of his statements to our national leadership. Whatever he said are his personal views’, reports TOI.

Badruddin Ajmal, president of the minority-dominated All India United Democratic Front said Swamy must apologize for his communal statements and the state government should take action against him. AGP president Atul Bora, too, sought action against Swamy.

Going a step further, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti lodged an FIR with Latasil police station, accusing Swamy of hatching a criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence and language.