Assam: CM Sarma launches BJP campaign for BTC polls, promises land rights in BTR

A CORRESPONDENT

TANGLA: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma kickstarted the BJP’s campaign for the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections on Saturday by addressing two major party workers’ meetings in Kalaigaon and Bengbari, covering the Mwdaibari, Khalingduar, and Harisinga constituencies of Udalguri district. This marks the BJP’s first significant move ahead of the BTC polls scheduled for September 2025.

During his speeches, CM Sarma laid out the BJP’s vision for the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), pledging peace, development, and inclusive growth for all communities. He criticized the current BTC administration for allegedly imposing unreasonable requirements for land transfers, such as demanding documentation dating back to 1947. Sarma assured that the BJP is committed to granting land rights to every community living in the Bodo belt.

Highlighting the restoration of peace in a region once marred by decades of violence, the Chief Minister emphasized the BJP’s commitment to permanent stability and holistic development. He also underscored the party’s focus on ensuring that all communities in the BTR benefit equally from developmental initiatives.

The event saw participation from top BJP leaders, including Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia and Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika, signaling the party’s intent to mount a full-scale effort to gain control of the 40-member BTC council. Sources within the BJP indicated that the party plans to contest as many seats as possible.

Meanwhile, the political atmosphere is intensifying, with the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) calling for unity among regional parties, particularly the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), in response to the BJP’s growing influence in the sixth schedule areas. The Assam State Election Commission has already released the draft voter list, revealing over 26.69 lakh eligible voters and 3,277 polling stations across the five districts of the BTR.

Also Read: CEC Ranjan Sharma reviews BTC poll preparedness in Udalguri

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