BTC elections may take place with COVID-19 protocols intact; ASEC

A CORRESPONDENT

TANGLA: The Assam State Election Commission (ASEC) is contemplating for exploring measures to hold the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls with certain COVID-19 related protocols and has proposed for setting up of auxiliary polling stations to adhere to the social distancing norms, avoid unnecessary gathering and timely completion of polling process. The State Election Commission has also dashed off a letter to the Deputy Commissioners of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri along with the SDO (C) of Gossaigaon, Parbatjhora, Bijni, Salbari, Tamulpur, Bhergaon on July 21 to carry out survey for setting up of auxiliary polling stations where felt necessary.

The letter further stated that the bureaucrats must submit the assessment and report the commission back by August 6.

As per sources, the BTC polls are likely to be held in September - October . The BTC polls was earlier slated for April 4 and indefinitely postponed in view of the coronavirus threat. Apart from the former ruling party Bodoland People's Front (BPF), the Pramod Boro led United People's Party (UPPL) has fielded candidates in all the 40 seats, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded 26 candidates, Congress-AIUDF have jointly fielded 20 candidates while Naba Kumar Sarania led Gana Surakha Party (GSP) is backing a number of independent candidates. Pertinently in the 46-member BTC council polls will be held for 40 seats while the Governor nominates six members from non-represented communities.

Also Watch: Adivasi Martyrs' Day Celebrated: Sacrifice of 8 Adivasi Students Remembered