HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, July 24: With the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections approaching, political developments in the Bodoland region are gaining momentum, amid indications of a possible alliance between the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).
According to sources, efforts are reportedly underway to unify the two regional parties in response to the growing influence of national political parties in the region.
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The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) is said to be facilitating behind-the-scenes talks between BPF president Hagrama Mohilary and UPPL president and incumbent BTC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Promod Boro.
Addressing the media in Barama on Thursday after attending the Central Policy Determination Committee (PMB) meeting of the BPF, Hagrama Mohilary confirmed the initiative.
He stated that ABSU president Dipen Boro and UPPL leader Khampa Borgoyari had approached him with a proposal for unification.
While no formal meeting has yet taken place, Mohilary expressed his willingness to participate in discussions with Promod Boro.
“I am ready to talk. If unification is practical, I am open to it. But just talking over mobile phones or on television is not enough,” Mohilary said.
Responding to media queries, the former BTC Chief stated, “If UPPL and BPF come together, we will form the government. There will be no place for BJP, Congress or AIUDF. If unification happens before the election, it will be even better.”
Commenting on the potential entry of other regional parties in the BTC polls, Mohilary dismissed the Raijor Dal’s prospects, stating that the party’s influence was limited to Upper Assam.
Speaking on the issue of Bodo unity, Mohilary remarked, “When we were in crisis, no one spoke of Bodo unity. Now that UPPL is facing challenges, there is a call for unity. Was I not a Bodo when I was going through difficult times? Was I a Sharma, Nath, or Ali then? Promod Boro is a Bodo too, and if he is in trouble, now people speak of unity.”
When asked about the leadership question in the event of unification, Mohilary stated, “If it’s BTR, Promod Boro will be Chief. If it’s BTC, I will be Chief,” adding, “I am not the Chief of BTR. I am the Chief of BTC.”
Mohilary also claimed that he is politically stronger than before and that the BPF has already finalised its strategy for the upcoming elections.
However, he declined to disclose specific decisions from the closed-door PMB meeting held in Barama.
