Protests erupt in Assam's Bodoland region over BJP leader's remark on community icon

The Bodoland Territorial Region witnessed widespread demonstrations on Wednesday as hundreds of protesters demanded an apology from a senior BJP leader who allegedly used the revered name of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma to promote his party's electoral prospects.

 

Arup Kumar Dey, an Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council and prominent BJP figure, sparked the controversy during Tuesday's inauguration of a Hanuman Temple at Nepalpara Bazar in Serfanguri, Kokrajhar district.

 

Addressing the gathering, Dey reportedly suggested that honouring the dreams and ideals of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, widely regarded as the father of the Bodo community, should translate into electoral support for the BJP over rival parties like the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) and Bodo People's Front.

 

The comments immediately triggered backlash from the Bodo community, who view any political exploitation of their founder's legacy as deeply offensive. Bodofa Upendranath Brahma remains a sacred figure whose contributions to Bodo identity and rights transcend party politics.

 

Angry demonstrators filled the streets Wednesday, chanting "Go Back Arup Kumar Dey" and "Don't politicise Bodofa's name" while burning effigies of the BTC Executive Member. The protests reflected widespread sentiment that political parties should maintain boundaries when invoking revered community leaders.

 

"We will never accept the politicisation of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma's name. No political party should attempt to gain mileage using his legacy. The Bodo community stands united on this," declared one protester speaking to local media.

 

Community representatives emphasised that Bodofa's contributions to Bodo society remain above political calculations and electoral strategies. Many protesters have demanded that Dey issue a formal public apology while warning that continued attempts to politicise their founder's memory will face even stronger resistance.