BPF is a major hurdle for six ethnic communities: Biswajit Ray

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The main hurdle in granting ST status to the six ethnic communities is the BPF (Bodoland People's Front), stated KRNC (Koch-Rajbongshi National Convention) general secretary Biswajit Ray.

"From the beginning, the BPF has been acting as a hurdle against the grant of ST status to the six communities. The party doesn't want these communities to get the status," Ray stressed.

It is to be noted that the six communities demanding ST status are – Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, and Tea Tribes.

Ray's statement came in response to BPF leader and Welfare of Plain Tribes & Backward Classes (WPT&BC) Minister Chandan Brahma's remark that the six communities will not be granted ST status before the Assam Assembly Election.

Ray slammed Brahma for making such remarks by being a member of the group of ministers formed by the Centre headed by State Finance Minister HimantaBiswaSarma to recommend the measures for getting ST status to six ethnic communities.

"When the BPF was allied with the Congress government, then WPT&BC Minister Pramila Rani Brahma opposed the grant of the ST status. Then BPF MP Sansuma Khunggur Bwiswmuthiary also opposed the issue at the parliament. In 2019, due to the opposition of the BPF, the bill to grant ST status was not passed in the Rajya Sabha. BPF leaders met then Home Minister Rajnath Singh and opposed the Bill following which the group of ministers was formed by the Centre," Ray opined.

He appealed to the people to boycott the BPF in the forthcoming BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council) polls for their stand against the six communities.

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