HT Correspondent
KOKRAHAR, Aug 25: The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), in power, has vehemently criticised the president of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Bhupen Bora, for his derogatory comments aimed at UPPL supremo and CEM (Bodoland Territorial Region), Pramod Boro. UPPL has demanded a public apology from Bora for his unfounded remarks and issued a warning that legal action may be pursued if he continues making baseless allegations against UPPL leaders.
During his visit to Kokrajhar, APCC president Bhupen Bora stated that Pramod Boro, previously a student leader, shifted from advocating the division of Assam 50:50 during the Bodoland movement to “dividing money 50:50” after coming into power. In response, UPPL general secretary and political secretary to CEM, Madhab Chandra Chetry, addressed a press conference at the party office to counter these claims.
Chetry asserted that Bhupen Bora’s comments on UPPL’s president were misleading and demanded a public apology for the allegations made without any substantiation. He highlighted that the APCC president’s focus on Pramod Boro seemed to be an attempt to detract from the Congress party’s own agenda and activities. Chetry also affirmed that the regional politics in the area was robust, contrary to Bora’s assertion.
He emphasised that UPPL, led by Pramod Boro, has been working tirelessly for peace and equal development across all communities. Under Boro’s leadership, the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) has experienced positive change, and BTR has achieved a newfound peace under the current administration. Chetry emphasised the developmental efforts undertaken by the UPPL-BJP-GSP alliance government in BTR.
Chetry also addressed allegations of corruption, asserting that there was no evidence of any corruption money sharing between UPPL and BJP leaders. He highlighted UPPL’s commitment to holistic development and its various missions, including educational initiatives and community-focused projects.
Chetry concluded by denouncing Congress as a power-hungry and corrupt political party that has failed to prioritise the welfare and development of the people. He refuted allegations of UPPL leaders purchasing lands outside the region, labeling such claims as mere propaganda propagated by other political parties. On the issue of a senior UPPL leader’s defection to BPF, Chetry emphasised individual political choices and the importance of patience within the party.
Regarding the permission denied for a Congress party meeting at Bodofa Cultural Complex in Kokrajhar, Chetry clarified that it was a procedural matter and not a deliberate obstruction. He also affirmed the coalition government’s successful functioning between UPPL, BJP, and GSP in BTC and stated that the people of BTC stand with UPPL to strengthen the party further.