BJP will not tie with UPPL this time: Himanta

way2barak August 2: “We are considering fielding candidates in all 40 constituencies in the Bodoland Territorial council.” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday. He said, insisting that the BJP does not regard either the UPPL or its rival, the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), as its enemy.

“We are taking the elections in the BTR seriously this time, and we want to move forward on our strength with a focus on comprehensive development of the region after ensuring peace in the last five years,” Mr. Sarma said.

The BJP is speculated to ditch the UPPL, as it is no longer keen on playing second fiddle to a regional party in the BTC. One of the reasons is believed to be the UPPL not letting the BJP dictate terms in the BTR.

The BPF was the BJP’s ally during the government headed by Sarbananda Sonowal. The two parties drifted apart before the 2021 Assembly polls due to differences between Mr. Sarma and Hagrama Mohilary, the BPF chief.

There is speculation that the BJP and BPF may reconcile, as the latter is considered more likely to allow the BJP greater influence in the BTR.

Elections to the BTC are expected by October.