Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Predicts BJP’s Big Push in Bodoland Territorial Council Elections
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma dropped a bold statement on Tuesday, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to shake things up in the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections. He believes the BJP could pull off a major surprise in this region, which has long been ruled by local powerhouses.
Talking to reporters, Sarma pointed out that the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) have always been the top dogs in Bodoland politics. "UPPL and BPF have dominated the BTC polls so far, and they still hold strong against the BJP," he said. "But with our solid preparations for these elections in Bodoland, it wouldn’t surprise me if we come out on top."
Sarma didn’t stop at just the competition. He stressed that these BTC elections go way beyond grabbing power. They play a key role in keeping peace alive in Bodoland after years of tough times. "It’s not only about sharing power—it’s about protecting the hard-won peace in the region," he added.
For those new to this, Bodoland sits in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) and has a rich but rocky history. It includes four districts—Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri—and has seen fierce fights for autonomy, insurgencies, and peace deals over the decades. The BTC, an autonomous body under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, handles local governance here.
The BPF, led by Hagrama Mohilary, controlled the BTC for almost 17 years until the 2020 elections. That’s when the UPPL, backed by the BJP, grabbed the reins after a fierce battle. Now, the BJP is building its own network in the BTR through ties with UPPL and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).
Sarma has often talked about how political stability in Bodoland is vital for Assam’s growth. He sees the BJP as the party that can blend local dreams with the state’s big development plans. With BTC election preparations heating up, his words show the BJP’s ready to go solo and test its muscle in this sensitive part of Assam.
This comes as the region eyes more progress and calm, making these polls a big deal for everyone involved.
