HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Sept 22: The fifth general elections to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) concluded on Monday with heavy voter turnout across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), where citizens defied heat and long queues to cast their ballots in large numbers.
In Kokrajhar district alone, polling across 12 council constituencies recorded 77.97% turnout by 4:30 pm, while the overall voter turnout across the BTR was pegged at 72.61% according to official sources.
The high turnout has sealed the fate of more than 100 candidates in Kokrajhar, including several political heavyweights, while across the 40 constituencies of the BTR, over 26 lakh voters exercised their franchise.
Related Posts:
Counting of votes will be held on September 26, when the verdict on who will form the next council government will be known.
Polling commenced at 7:30 am and officially closed at 4:00 pm.
Despite the heat and scattered incidents of tension, the process remained largely peaceful in Kokrajhar and elsewhere in the BTR.
In Gossaigaon subdivision, a clash between supporters of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) briefly disrupted proceedings, but security personnel quickly brought the situation under control.
Elsewhere, the day was marked by festive crowds, with tea stalls and betel nut counters set up near polling stations as people turned up in large numbers to vote freely in what was the first BTC election since the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord.
In Kokrajhar district, constituency-wise turnout reflected strong enthusiasm: Srirampur recorded the highest with 85.65%, followed by Kachugaon at 81.53% and Parbatjhora at 80.39%.
Other constituencies like Saraibil (78.72%), Jamduar (78.60%) and Guma (78.94%) also saw robust participation, while Debargaon posted the lowest turnout at 72.44%.
Political leaders across the spectrum cast their votes early in the day. Former BTC chief and BPF president Hagrama Mohilary voted with his wife Siuli Mohilary at Debargaon High School.
Contesting from Debargaon, Mohilary claimed that the BPF would secure an absolute majority, declaring, “Today is the day that decides BTC’s future. With the support of people from all sections, the BPF will win more seats than before.”
On the other hand, UPPL founder-president and Cabinet Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma cast his vote in his native Batabari under Dotma constituency, asserting that his party would form the next government.
“Out of 12 constituencies in Kokrajhar, UPPL will win eight seats—four in Kokrajhar and four in Gossaigaon,” Brahma said, adding that BPF and BJP’s popularity had declined sharply.
From Tamulpur, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of BTR and UPPL president Pramod Boro exercised his franchise at Souraguri LP School.
Contesting from Goibari, Boro also asserted that the polls had been conducted smoothly across the region.
“The 5th BTC Elections 2025 has been successfully and peacefully completed. I extend heartfelt gratitude to all citizens of BTR for participating in this democratic process with such enthusiasm,” he said, exuding confidence that UPPL would return to power for a second consecutive term.
Other prominent candidates also expressed optimism about their chances.
BPF candidate Doneswar Goyari (Baukhungri) predicted a comfortable win for the fifth time.
Salakati MLA Lawrence Islary claimed the people’s demand for change ensured his victory, while fellow BPF candidate Derhasat Basumatary (Salakati) emphasised development as the key plank.
In Dotma, BJP candidate Manoranjan Brahma also cast his vote, claiming rising support for the saffron party.
Despite rival parties making bold claims of victory—BPF promising a comeback, UPPL asserting an absolute majority, BJP eyeing breakthroughs, and Congress hopeful of reviving its fortunes—the ultimate verdict now rests in the sealed ballot boxes. With record participation in several constituencies and a largely peaceful atmosphere, the stage is set for September 26, when the counting of votes will finally reveal the people’s choice in the BTR.
