BPF Leader Hagrama Mohilary Confident of Victory in Assam Elections

BPF's Election Confidence in Kokrajhar

Kokrajhar, April 2: Hagrama Mohilary, the chief of the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), expressed strong confidence in achieving a significant victory in the upcoming Assam elections while launching pointed criticisms against opposing parties.

During a rally with supporters, Mohilary highlighted the prevailing political sentiment in the Dotma constituency, indicating BPF's stronghold in the area.

“The leaders and supporters from BPF, AGP, and BJP have united in Dotma, and we are certain of our victory. No other candidate or party poses a serious challenge to our nominee, Rabiram Narzary,” he stated.

He accused the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) of trying to incite unrest in the region, asserting that the party would not gain any electoral advantage.

“The public is aware of their motives. We are confident of winning all 15 seats in the Assam elections. It will be a complete sweep, and UPPL will not secure a single seat,” Mohilary declared.

In a critique of UPPL's leadership, he referred to party secretary Raju Narzary as “an NGO leader who solicits funds from various sources.”

He further dismissed the Congress party as a diminished force in BTC politics, claiming it no longer stands as a serious competitor.

Mohilary's comments followed the BPF's release of its election manifesto in Gossaigaon, Kokrajhar, which outlines an extensive development agenda for the region.

A significant emphasis of the manifesto is on education, with promises to advocate for a Central University in Baksa and additional Bodoland University campuses in Chirang, Baksa, and Tamulpur.

The party also proposed establishing high-level coaching centers for competitive exams like UPSC, APSC, NEET, and JEE.

Regarding identity and inclusion, the BPF committed to pursuing Scheduled Tribe (Hills) status for Bodo communities in Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, as well as supporting ST (Plains) recognition for the Sarania Kachari community.

Additionally, they pledged to back ST status demands from the Koch Rajbongshi and Adivasi communities and address issues faced by genuine citizens labeled as “D voters.”

Infrastructure development is another crucial aspect, with commitments to prioritize National Highway projects along the Bhutan border, construct a flyover at the Tangla railway crossing, and establish an Indo-Bhutan Trade Centre in Udalguri.

Proposals also include setting up Bodoland Bhavans in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, along with guest houses in Kokrajhar, Dadgiri, and Sikkim.

The manifesto outlines welfare initiatives, including an annual budget of Rs 100 crore for unemployed youth, Rs 40 crore for women’s self-reliance programs, Rs 10 crore for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and Rs 50 crore for economically weaker sections. It also promises the distribution of land pattas based on the 2005 voter list.

Other proposals encompass provincializing schools and colleges established until 2016, introducing the Bodo language in APSC and judicial examinations, ensuring BTC representation in APSC, and enhancing religious and cultural infrastructure.

A Skill and Livelihood Training Centre at Tukrajhar in Chirang has also been proposed.

As the campaign heats up, Mohilary's statements reflect an assertive strategy by the BPF to solidify support throughout the BTC region.