Guwahati, 01 September (HS): Assam Pradesh BJP has announced its candidate lists for the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, ensuring representation of all ethnic communities in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The first list was released on August 31, followed by a second list announced on Monday by State BJP President Dilip Saikia.
The lists feature strong contenders, including two women candidates. Addressing a press briefing at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, the state party headquarters, Chief Spokesperson Kishore Upadhyay said, “By giving equal honour and priority to every ethnic community of the BTR, the BJP seeks to pave the way for inclusive development through representation in the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Council.”
The BJP recalled its historic role in bringing peace to the BTR, first with the BTC Accord of 2003 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and later with the 2020 BTR Accord under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has since overseen a series of developmental initiatives, including the ₹1,500-crore BTR package, establishment of Tamulpur Medical College, financial aid for families of BTR martyrs, creation of Tamulpur district, Mathanguri development block, and recognition of the Bodo language in Assam Legislative Assembly proceedings.
More than 500 new villages have been incorporated into BTR, while Raimona and Chakrashila National Parks have enhanced its global standing in wildlife conservation. The Chief Minister has stressed that BTR residents must no longer remain “second-class citizens” and pledged equal access to flagship schemes like Orunodoi, Lakhpati Baideu, PMAY, and transparent employment opportunities.
Asserting indigenous communities’ full rights over land and property, Dr. Sarma urged voters to support the BJP over alliances like UPPL-BPF, promising peace, transparency, and prosperity for Assamese, Bodo, Gorkha, Adivasi, Bengali, and all communities alike. He also reiterated that Village Council Development Committee (VCDC) members will be elected directly under BJP governance, ensuring grassroots democracy.
Confident of victory, State BJP President Dilip Saikia declared that BJP candidates will secure more seats than in previous elections and appealed to the people of BTR to strengthen the spirit of peace and harmony through their votes.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
