BJP Advances With Pramod Bodo Losing Ground In BTR

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly strengthening its presence in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) amid growing discontent among alleged sections of the Bodo community over the performance of United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) leader and BTR Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro.

Over the last four years, Boro has often been seen aligning with the directives from Dispur, which, according to critics, has limited his ability to realise the aspirations and dreams of the Bodo people. His perceived failure to assert regional autonomy has led to a decline in his popularity among a section of the community. Sensing this, the BJP has been actively working to increase its foothold in the region.

BJP Eyes BTR Ahead of 2026 Assembly Polls

Sources suggest that the BJP is eyeing the upcoming BTR Council elections as a stepping stone to the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections. Although the BJP is likely to contest strongly in the BTR elections, it may later form the regional government in alliance with either the UPPL or the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), depending on the results.

The party’s strategy reportedly includes a blueprint to win a majority of assembly segments within the BTR by the 2026 elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is aware that gaining control of the BTR may spark unrest among sections of the Bodo population, potentially leading to a revival of armed movements. In such a scenario, the state government could face serious criticism.

To avoid such consequences, the BJP is planning to keep a regional party figure at the helm of BTR governance while working to strengthen its electoral position in key constituencies.

Promod Boro Distances Himself from Assam CM

Realising his weakening grip, Promod Boro has reportedly been distancing himself from Chief Minister Sarma and making frequent visits to New Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This development has not gone unnoticed, and sources suggest that Boro’s direct communication with Shah without Sarma’s involvement may have caused friction.

BPF Leader Hagrama Mohilary Eyes Political Comeback

Former BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary is also preparing for a political comeback. While he has avoided public criticism of CM Sarma in recent days, he is believed to be capitalising on the perceived failure of Promod Boro to fulfil the expectations of the Bodo people. Mohilary is reportedly engaging in calculated political manoeuvring ahead of the upcoming elections.

In the 2020 BTC elections, the BPF had emerged as the single-largest party, winning 17 out of 37 constituencies but failed to form the government. 

BJP Strengthens Organisation; Sets Target of 15 BTR Seats

According to internal BJP sources, the party aims to win at least 15 seats in the upcoming elections. If this target is met, neither the UPPL nor the BPF is expected to secure an absolute majority. In the meantime, leaders and voters from both regional parties have reportedly begun shifting allegiance to the BJP.

Sections of the Bodo community believe that if the BJP wins a significant number of seats through their support, the party may assert greater influence over the BTR. In this context, several Bodo leaders are seeking to align themselves with the BJP, increasing the likelihood of a split in the regional vote.

Key BTC Accord Clauses Remain Unfulfilled

Despite the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord signed by Boro and the central and state governments, several key clauses remain unimplemented. While some Bodo-dominated villages outside the BTR have been gradually included in the Sixth Schedule, the promised increase of BTC constituencies to 60 is still pending.

There was widespread expectation that the number of constituencies would be increased ahead of the council elections, but Promod Boro has reportedly failed to deliver on this front. Additionally, although financial powers have been granted in certain departments, the promised legislative, executive, and administrative powers remain limited, with state government interference continuing in many areas.

There are also demands for constitutional amendments to enhance BTR’s autonomy, which the Centre has yet to address. These unresolved issues have reportedly led to growing disappointment among Bodo citizens.

The BJP has already formed a 38-member observer committee ahead of the council elections, assigning one observer to each of the 40 constituencies. The move is seen as part of a long-term strategy leading up to the 2026 Assembly polls.

According to political observers, both Promod Boro and Hagrama Mohilary are now aware that even if a regional leader remains CEM, the BJP will continue to exert pressure and influence over the BTR. With elections drawing near, this council poll is being viewed by the BJP as a precursor to a broader plan for consolidating power in Assam’s tribal belt.

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