In a significant realignment of political forces in Assam, the dynamics of Bodoland politics, a key factor in government formation in the state, have undergone a major shift. The Bodoland People's Front (BPF) has formally announced its decision to contest the upcoming assembly elections as an ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
BPF's NDA Entry and Seat-Sharing Talks
BPF president Hagrama Mohilary made the crucial announcement on Sunday, marking a decisive move towards the BJP-led coalition. This development follows the party's recent victory in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, after which it has grown closer to the BJP. The induction of BPF MLA Charan Boro as a minister in the BJP-led state government was a clear indicator of this warming relationship.
Mohilary clarified the party's stance, stating, "We are with NDA, though it is not yet final how many seats BPF, AGP or BJP will contest." He added that talks are ongoing between the BJP, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and the BPF for sharing of seats. However, he drew a firm line regarding the party's main rival, asserting, "We will not share seats with UPPL in BTC areas."
Congress Courts UPPL as NDA Ally Distances Itself
In a parallel development that underscores the fluid political situation, sources within the Congress revealed that the grand old party is in discussions with the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL). The UPPL, also an NDA ally, is reportedly considering snapping ties with the BJP-led front. Congress insiders suggest that the UPPL is upset with the BJP's growing closeness to the BPF following the latter's massive victory in the BTC polls.
A senior leader of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) stated on Sunday, "UPPL may soon announce a decision to snap ties with BJP and join the Congress-led alliance." For the Congress, which has seen its influence wane in Bodoland politics lately, bringing the UPPL on board would be a major boost. The party has already announced it will contest 100 of the 126 assembly seats and is reportedly willing to relinquish a significant number of these for the UPPL if the alliance is finalized.
Implications for Assam's Political Chessboard
The Bodoland region, represented by 15 assembly seats within the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly, holds considerable sway in determining who forms the government. The current realignment sees the BPF, with its 3 MLAs, firmly in the NDA camp, while the UPPL, which has 7 MLAs, is poised to potentially jump ship to the opposition Congress-led alliance.
Hagrama Mohilary emphasized the BPF's readiness to play a bigger role in state politics. Meanwhile, UPPL leaders have remained tight-lipped about their final plan, though indications strongly point towards either contesting solo or formalizing an alliance with the Congress. This reshuffling of alliances sets the stage for a highly competitive electoral battle in Assam, with the strategic Bodoland region becoming a central focal point for both major coalitions.
