STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The five-year term of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) expires on April 27. Election to the BTC was earlier slated on April 4. But with the ongoing second phase of the nationwide lockdown till May 3, the Council polls now hang in the balance.
Political analysts are now speculating as to the future of the BTC especially when the Council’s term would expire. The Council is facing this political crisis for the first time since its formation in 2003.
State government sources informed The Sentinel that there is all possibility of the Governor ruling the BTC till the poll process is conducted. The State government will take a decision on this regard as per the Sixth Schedule Act on or before April 27.
Sources also hinted that the polls might not be possible even in May owing to the Central government’s possible restrictions on social distancing even after the second phase of lockdown.
Though the initial formalities for these elections were completed, campaigning — from March 22, polling on April 4, repolling (if any) on April 6; and the counting process on April 8 still remain to be conducted. These phases were suspended by the Assam State Election Commission through a notification on March 20 following the government’s moves on COVID-19.
Earlier on March 11, the Assam State Election Commission had issued the polls notification for 40 constituencies under BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Administrative District). The last date for filing of nominations was March 18, and scrutiny was to take place on March 19. The last date for withdrawal of nominations was March 21. These formalities related to the election have been completed.
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