Assam: BPF-BJP Cold War termed as "Drama" by Kokrajhar MP

Kokrajhar, May 4, 2020:

As the nation enters the third phase of lockdown,Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in Assam is witnessing its own issues relating to its governance. The latest is that that there is a rift between the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and its ally, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the imposition of Governor’s Rule in the BTC area, where the BPF has been running the administration since its inception.

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Gana Suraksha Party (GSP) leader Naba Sarania has termed the “so-called” rift a mere “drama” to express that only the BPF has the power to rule the BTC. Sarania said that the people of BTC sought good governance and a change and therefore, Governor’s rule was the much-needed temporary solution.

It may be mentioned here that earlier also, Sarania had expressed his opinion on the BJP-BPF alliance and the ongoing cold war which has now been taken to the court. “BPF has the option to end the alliance and withdraw from the BJP. But instead, they have taken the matter to the court. They said they had tweeted the message about their reconsideration of their alliance with the BJP and that they were looking for other allies. But till now they have done nothing of that sort. They are challenging Governor’s Rule in the BTC. This is just drama,” he said.

Sarania further added that the demand of BTC to roll back the Governor’s Rule in BTC was unconstitutional. “The matter is in the court now. But we are hurt by the fact that Biswajit Damary, Pramila Rani Brahma, Khampai and others have termed the Governor’s Rule as Army Rule and dictatorship. Such statements do not suit State representatives. The Governor’s rule is an integral part of the constitution. People might misinterpret this and it will send out a wrong message,” he said.

He clarified that the Governor’s rule was a temporary one. “Hopefully, the election will take place in September. United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and other parties also are opposed to the extension of just one party in BTC. If they get another extension, there is a chance of taking advantage of the situation. With Governor’s rule here, an unbiased election will take place,” said Sarania.

At the same time, Assam MP Biswajit Daimary has expressed his displeasure at the Governor's Rule and accused that it violates the tenets of the Indian Constitution.

It may be mentioned here that a petition was filed questioning the power of the Governor of Assam, Jagdish Mukhi to run the administration of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). It has also challenged how he could assume office to exercise all the functions and powers exercisable by the BTC, which falls under the sixth schedule of the Constitution of India.

“The learned Senior Counsel for the petitioners has questioned the power of the Governor of the State, who has assumed the functions of the BTC by submitting that the said order in violation of the mandate of the provisions of Schedule-VI of the Constitution of India,” stated the petition.

Moreover, the leadership of the BPF party is pushing for an immediate election in the region, where Governor's Rule came into effect on April 27 as the elections could not be held due to the coronavirus outbreak.

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