BPF Chief Addresses Seat-Sharing Speculations Ahead of Assam Elections
BPF's Stance on Seat-Sharing Discussions
Kokrajhar, Mar 1: Hagrama Mohilary, the leader of the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) and head of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), has refuted rumors regarding the party's finalized seat-sharing arrangements within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He emphasized that no decisions have been made as discussions are still ongoing.
During a significant rally held by the BPF at Janagaon Field in Titaguri, Kokrajhar, Mohilary stated that negotiations among NDA members, including the BJP, AGP, UPPL, and others, are still in progress.
"The allocation of seats for each party has yet to be determined," he remarked, dismissing the circulating figures as misleading. "The information out there is not correct. We have not finalized any seat-sharing agreements yet," he added.
Mohilary clarified the BPF's role within the NDA, noting that while the BJP leads the alliance, similar to how the Congress leads the UPA, the BPF can only comment on its own preparations regarding seat distribution.
"We will discuss seat allocations based on our party's capabilities," he stated.
Regarding potential defections from the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), Mohilary mentioned that talks are ongoing. "I cannot disclose today who might join us. We are in discussions with party leaders and members. We will welcome those interested in joining the BPF before the Model Code of Conduct is implemented," he said.
On development matters, the BTC chief highlighted the party's commitment to key infrastructure projects in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) and expressed optimism for positive announcements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Assam on March 14.
"We are currently discussing various development projects, including flyovers in Debargaon, Titaguri, and Gossaigaon, as well as the Sankosh Bridge, the Bekee River bridge, and the Indo-Bhutan National Highway. We hope for a favorable response from PM Modi during his visit," he noted.
He also pointed out the delays at Rupsi Airport, where construction has been halted due to runway issues, indicating that an extension period is necessary. Mohilary mentioned that the Assam Chief Minister would spearhead efforts to resolve this issue.
He welcomed the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Assam government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for a new international airport in Manas, describing it as positive news for the region.
"We will urge the Assam Chief Minister and PM Modi to prioritize the development of roads and bridges in the BTR area," he added.
The rally, which saw participation from hundreds of party supporters, was intended as a demonstration of strength ahead of the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections.
Mohilary also noted the success of the party's Peace Mission Jatra in Kokrajhar district, which saw involvement from diverse communities, including Rajbongshi, Nath-Yogi, Garo, Rabha, Bengali, and Hindi-speaking groups.
In related news, the Assam BJP president, Dilip Saikia, announced that the party's candidate list for the 2026 Assembly elections would be revealed in phases following Dol Utsav.