With the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections fast approaching, political temperatures in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) are rising rapidly. Leaders of three major parties—the BJP, UPPL, and BPF—have hit the campaign trail with massive rallies aimed at winning the confidence of voters in what is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested elections in recent years. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing large gatherings in Kalipukhuri under Salakati BTC constituency and Khasiyabari in Jamduar BTC constituency as part of the BJP’s Sankalp Samabekh on Monday, launched a scathing attack on both the current BTC administration and former ruling parties. Sarma alleged that years of governance under the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) had failed to deliver meaningful development in the region.“Despite years of BPF and UPPL rule, many parts of BTR still lack proper infrastructure. Welfare schemes are not reaching the grassroots, and projects are being delayed endlessly. The people deserve better,” Sarma told the gathering.
He promised that if the BJP secures power in BTC, it will put an end to corruption and the influence of middlemen, particularly in the functioning of the Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs). “We want first-class citizens in BTR, not second-class treatment for anyone. Just as the people have given BJP power in Delhi and Dispur, now the time has come to bring BJP to Kokrajhar,” he said, appealing to voters to give the party a clear mandate. While the BJP is banking on its promise of transparency and fast-paced development, the ruling UPPL is showcasing its growing strength through mass mobilisations. On the same day, BTC Chief Executive Member and UPPL President Pramod Boro held a grand rally titled Harmonious Bodoland in Kokrajhar town. The event, which drew more than 20,000 supporters, was projected as a show of confidence ahead of the polls. Boro, speaking to the enthusiastic crowd, declared that the UPPL is determined to sweep all 12 BTC constituencies in Kokrajhar district. “Our party stands for peace, progress, and inclusive growth. The overwhelming public response today shows the trust people have in UPPL’s leadership. We are confident of returning with an even stronger mandate,” he said.
The Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), once the dominant political force in the region, also made its presence felt. BPF Chief Hagrama Mohilary led impressive rallies in Saralpara and Parbatjhora, energising supporters and vowing to revive the party’s influence in BTC politics. Mohilary, who was the longest-serving Chief of BTC, highlighted his party’s past achievements and asked voters to give BPF another chance to serve the people. With three powerful players in the fray, the political battleground of Bodoland has turned into a theatre of high-stakes campaigns. Massive rallies, fierce speeches, and promises of development are dominating the landscape as each party works to consolidate its base. Analysts believe that this election will not only determine who controls BTC but will also have a wider impact on Assam’s political dynamics, particularly in the tribal-dominated BTR.