CM Sarma flags land rights concerns as BJP kicks off BTC poll campaign in Udalguri

A CORRESPONDENT

TANGLA: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched the BJP’s campaign for the September 2025 Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, putting the spotlight on the contentious issue of land rights in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Addressing three BJP workers’ meets at Khoirabari, Bhergaon, and Orangajuli—covering the Khoirabari, Bhergaon and Nonai Serfang BTC constituencies—Sarma said that while the BTR had achieved permanent peace and free democratic rights, its residents continue to face hurdles in buying, selling, or inheriting land due to the requirement of land documents dating back to 1947.

“The 26 communities living in the BTR must get equal land rights to become first-class citizens and contribute to the region’s growth,” Sarma said, adding that those who had been residing in the BTR prior to the formation of the BTC in 2003 should be given full ownership rights. He asserted that the BJP, if voted to power in the BTC, would prioritize granting land rights to every community in the Bodo belt. He tied the land issue to a broader vision of dignity, opportunity, and inclusivity, framing it as both a developmental and a social justice imperative. He also called for reforms in the Village Council Development Committee (VCDC) system to ensure direct delivery of welfare benefits and urged voters to bring the BJP to power in the BTC for ‘transparent governance and inclusive development.’

Reiterating the saffron party’s role in restoring stability to a region once marred by decades of bloodshed and violence, the Chief Minister stressed that government recruitment under the BTC should follow the same transparency norms as state government jobs.

Linking the party’s campaign to its track record in the state, he said, “The peace we see today is the foundation for development. Now we must ensure that no citizen feels like a second-class resident in their own land.” The campaign launch was also attended by Assam Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika, Assam BJP Minority Morcha President Santiuse Kujur, Udalguri BJP President Sunil Basumatary, and senior state leaders, signalling the party’s intent to make a strong push in the upcoming polls.

According to the Assam State Election Commission, over 26.69 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots across 3,277 polling stations in the five districts of the BTR.

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