In Assam, Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) returned to power with a clear majority in the Bodoland Territorial Council Polls, winning 28 seats of the 40 member council.
Ruling UPPL managed 7 seats, while BJP secured 5 seats in the final results. The counting commenced yesterday and the process completed today morning. The polling for the Council took place on 22nd of this month with 77.9 voter turnout. Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) comprises five districts- Kokrajhar, Baksa, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur.
BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary and UPPL president and BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro were among the winners. Both contested from two constituencies but secured victory in one each.
BPF Regains Stronghold in Bodoland Territorial Region
The BTC administers Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur and Udalguri districts in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The BPF performed strongly across all districts.
The party earlier ruled the BTC for 15 years until being ousted in 2020. In the last election, it won 17 seats but lost power as the BJP-UPPL alliance formed the council government.
This year’s results shocked both the BJP and the UPPL. Party insiders admitted they miscalculated the strong anti-incumbency wave. The BJP had expected a hung house and hoped to ally either with the UPPL or the BPF. But the BPF’s outright majority ended that possibility.
What Next for Assam Politics?
With Assam Assembly elections due next year, the BJP may extend outside support to the BPF to maintain ties. For the BPF, an understanding with the BJP could be beneficial, as the BJP rules both in Assam and at the Centre, controlling crucial development funds.
