Koch-Rajbongshi Leaders Exit UPPL Amid Discontent Over Tribal Recognition

Mass Resignation from UPPL in Bijni District

Bijni, Dec 27: The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) faced a significant setback as approximately 50 leaders and members from the Koch-Rajbongshi community in Bijni district announced their resignation from the party on Saturday. This decision stemmed from increasing dissatisfaction regarding the leadership's approach to tribal recognition and issues related to the Sixth Schedule.

Among those who stepped down were notable figures such as Amar Roy, the general secretary for Bijni district, Parameshwar Roy, president of the OBC Treasury, and Dhananjoy Roy, the district vice president. Other resigning members included Simanta Barman, the general secretary for the Manas–Cherphang block, and Dibakar Roy, the organisational secretary for the Thuribari block.

The collective resignation involved leaders from all three blocks within Bijni district, highlighting a unified stance against the party's current leadership.

The departing members criticized UPPL's leadership, particularly party president Pramod Boro, for not providing clear guidance or progress on the long-standing demand for tribal recognition for six communities, including the Koch-Rajbongshi.

During a joint press conference, Amar Roy, Simanta Barman, Parameshwar Roy, and Dhananjoy Roy expressed their disappointment with UPPL's handling of the Sixth Schedule and related constitutional protections. They stated, “Despite numerous promises, we have not seen any tangible plans or results regarding the Sixth Schedule and tribal recognition.”

The leaders emphasized that the Koch-Rajbongshi community had placed considerable faith in UPPL, anticipating decisive actions concerning their identity and constitutional rights.

They voiced their dissatisfaction, stating, “We are extremely disappointed with how the tribal recognition issue has been managed. As representatives of the Koch-Rajbongshi community, we feel it is necessary to distance ourselves from UPPL.”

The president of the party’s OBC cell, who also resigned, remarked that this decision reflects a growing discontent among grassroots supporters. He noted, “Frustration is mounting among Koch-Rajbongshi followers. We cannot remain in a party that has not taken a strong stance on matters that impact our identity and future.”

The resigning leaders indicated that their decision was a well-considered and collective one, made after discussions with grassroots workers throughout Bijni. While they have not yet disclosed their next political steps, they assured that future actions would be determined in consultation with the community.