BJP launches manifesto for Bodoland Territorial Council elections, promises development and unity

Guwahati: BJP, which is independently contesting the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections with the objective of securing a majority and forming the council for the first time, is firmly committed to fostering peace, progress, and prosperity for the development of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), said CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, while launching the BJP manifesto for the polls on Friday.He emphasised that this marks a new chapter in the development journey of BTR. “We have got immense support from the people, as is evident from the enthusiastic response to the election campaigns of different BJP leaders,” Sarma said.He added that it has already been decided that the BJP will play a significant role in the BTC polls and emerge as a strong political force in the region.The CM said that the historic Bodo Peace Accord, which was signed in January 2020, will be implemented fully in the next five years. He reiterated the BJP commitment, as outlined in its election manifesto, to uphold equal rights for all communities and foster holistic development across the region.“The BJP is dedicated to implementing all state govt schemes in the BTR, with a special focus on initiatives benefiting women and girl students in underdeveloped and backward areas,” Sarma stated.He further announced plans to establish colleges in every subdivision of the BTR, develop a new campus of Bodoland University in Udalguri, and expedite the operationalisation of Tamulpur Medical College. Additionally, the BJP aims to construct bridges across all rivers and tributaries in the region to enhance connectivity. The party also pledges to safeguard the constitutional rights and land ownership of all communities to promote inclusive growth.Sarma appealed to residents of all communities to foster mutual trust and unity for the progress of the BTR. He highlighted that the BJP’s manifesto reflects a clear vision for the region’s development over the next five years and encouraged citizens to read it—available in both print and digital formats. “If people take the time to read the manifesto, they will understand BJP’s genuine intent to build a new and progressive BTR,” he added.The Chief Minister also called upon members of all political parties to maintain peace and harmony throughout the election period. “Elections will come and go, but it is imperative that we preserve communal harmony and peace,” he said. On the occasion, the BTR election manifesto was also released in multiple languages spoken by the region’s diverse communities.The elections for the 40-member BTC are scheduled for September 22, with the BJP contesting independently for the first time. The current Council is administered through an alliance between the United Peoples' Party Liberal (UPPL), BJP, and Gana Suraksha Party (GSP). In the previous Council elections held in December 2020, the UPPL secured 12 seats, BJP won nine, and GSP claimed one. The Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF), which governed the Council for three consecutive terms, emerged as the single largest party with 17 seats. The Congress won one seat, with its elected member later joining the BJP.At that time, BPF was an alliance partner of the BJP in the state govt. However, the BJP subsequently aligned with the UPPL and GSP to form the current Council administration.