BJP sharpens focus on Bodoland ahead of council polls, CM Sarma pledges inclusive growth

With elections to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) drawing near, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led a high-energy campaign push in Kokrajhar on Thursday, addressing two major public rallies under the BJP’s Vijay Sankalp Yatra.

 

At Ramphalbil in the Dotma constituency, Sarma addressed a large gathering and reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to peace and inclusive development in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

 

“Since peace has been established in BTR, our government has consistently worked towards inclusive development across communities,” Sarma said, drawing applause from the crowd.

 

The Chief Minister made it clear that the BJP is not targeting regional parties in the BTR, identifying the Congress as the primary political rival.

 

“BJP is not against any party in BTR. Our opponent is the Congress. We have no enemies here. We will contest the elections with love and respect for the people,” he said.

 

Sarma also revealed that the BJP will officially announce the number of BTC constituencies it plans to contest on August 21, a decision that could influence pre-election alliances and rival strategies.

 

Amid recent controversy over remarks by BJP MP Dilip Saikia, Sarma issued a firm clarification, reiterating the party’s support for tribal rights.

 

“The Tribal Belts and Blocks will remain protected, as they always have under BJP. We stand firmly with the tribal and indigenous communities of Assam,” he said.

 

Later in the day, Sarma received a warm reception at Fakiragram’s Purani Bazar Playground, where he addressed another packed rally of residents and supporters.