BPF Plans to Contest Assembly Elections Beyond Bodoland Region

BPF's Election Strategy for Assam Assembly

Guwahati, Feb 3: The Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), led by Hagrama Mohilary, is considering the possibility of nominating candidates from several constituencies outside the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

In a recent discussion, senior BPF leader and MLA Durga Das Boro mentioned that there is a strong consensus within the party to contest all 15 constituencies that fall within the BTR.

Boro emphasized the party's desire to build on the success achieved in last year's Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections.

“We are fully engaged in election preparations. It has only been a few months since we assumed power in the BTR following a decisive victory in the BTC elections. We aim to maintain this momentum as we approach the Assembly polls. However, we need to address certain issues, such as candidate selection. Our political stance has shifted since the BTC elections; we were not aligned with the NDA then, but now we are part of it. This necessitates a reevaluation of our electoral strategy,” he stated.

Boro noted that the BJP, a key partner in the NDA, may request a share of the 15 seats within the BTR.

The BPF's highest decision-making body has empowered Mohilary to determine the seat-sharing arrangements for the Assembly elections.

“The BJP will likely seek two or three constituencies in the BTR. Our party leader Hagrama Mohilary has been granted full authority to make decisions regarding seat adjustments. However, many members of our policy-making body believe that the BPF should contest all 15 Assembly seats in the BTR. Additionally, there is a suggestion to contest around five seats outside the BTR where we have a strong organizational presence and support. This option is also being considered,” Boro explained.

He dismissed the possibility of any disputes with the BJP over seat sharing.

“We will resolve the alliance matters amicably, ensuring satisfaction for both the BPF and the BJP. Our leader Hagrama Mohilary will make the right decision, and all BPF members trust him completely and will adhere to his decisions. Formal discussions with the BJP are expected to commence after February 10, followed by the candidate selection process,” Boro added.

He expressed confidence that the ruling alliance would secure all 15 seats in the BTR during the Assembly elections.

Boro stated that the BPF's campaign will focus on the development of the BTR and Assam as a whole.

“The NDA is poised to form the government in Assam for a third consecutive term. We expect to maintain the positive trend observed in last year’s Council elections in the BTR,” he remarked.

Boro reiterated that the BPF will not collaborate with the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), which held power in the BTR from 2020 to 2025 and is still part of the ministry led by Himanta Biswa Sarma in Dispur.

“We have heard that the UPPL is in contact with the Congress. We are confident that all 15 Assembly seats in the BTR will be won by us. The UPPL has failed to deliver on various fronts during their tenure in the BTR and did not take necessary steps to implement the BTR Accord,” he concluded.

Boro announced that the BPF administration in the BTR will officially begin implementing schemes from February 10 to fulfill its five major electoral promises, which include financial aid for unemployed youth, increasing old-age pensions, and supporting self-help groups.