Bharatiya Janata Party, BPF forge alliance, but only within Assembly

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) have finally arrived at a mutual understanding – at least within the Assembly.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with the three MLAs of BPF, addressed a press conference today where he announced that from now onwards, on the floor of the House, the BPF will support all activities of the government as a partner of the BJP-led alliance government. "This alliance is between the BJP Legislature Party and the BPF Legislature Party and not between the two political parties," said the Chief Minister.

He said that this decision was taken after much political assessment and discussion with the BJP's alliance partner - the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL). "As the UPPL had no objection to this understanding, we went ahead with it. Now, the strength of the BJP alliance in the House has increased to 82," said Sarma.

However, he underlined that this alliance was limited to only the House and not outside. "There has been no alliance between the BJP and the BPF. Of course, I cannot speak for the future. In politics, things keep changing," he said. He further said that in the last assembly election, the BPF had allied with the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). "But in the Assembly, the BPF was working independently," said the Chief Minister and added, "I have good relations with BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary. I am sure that he has consented to this alliance between the BPF Legislature Party and BJP Legislature Party. Politically, both parties have not joined hands as yet. Before that happens, there will have to be an understanding between the BPF and the UPPL."

After walking out of the Congress-led 'Mahajot' (Grand Alliance), the BPF had been trying to cosy up to the BJP again. The BPF had publicly expressed interest in an alliance with the BJP. However, the BJP had not extended any hand of friendship as it did not want to displease its alliance partner, the UPPL. But with this new alliance between the BJP and the BPF within the House, speculations are rife that the two parties may join hands soon.

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