BJP & BPF have a "secret understanding": Assam Congress President Ripun Bora

UDALGURI: Ripun Bora, the President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today claimed that despite a recent falling out, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) continue to have a "secret understanding."

"Despite the war of words, the BJP and BPF are still allied at Dispur. Therefore, it is clear that they have a secret understanding. In regards to the UPPL, there is an open alliance with the BJP which is evident for everyone to see," Bora said on the sidelines of an election programme held in Udalguri district.

Talking about the proposed alliance between the Grand Old Party and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) can only be taken after the Delhi-based High Command of the party gives its nod.

"The decision about 2021 will be taken by the High Command as we are a national party. Today is about the BTC and the local issues," Bora said.

Upon being asked about which party the Congress would support in case of a hung Assembly: "We will see. Of the three parties, we will support whichever option is acceptable. However, the BJP will not be accepted at any cost."

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Bora maintained that since the Congress party is a national party, all the decisions are finalized by the party's top brass.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Congress and the AIUDF addressed their first joint rally in Bodo Territorial Region today.

Both the Congress and the AIUDF leaders have shown a keen interest in forging an alliance ahead of the election to be held in 2021.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP, which emerged as the largest party in the last Assembly polls, has stated that it will continue its alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has, however, said that that the alliance with the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) which has ruled the Council for 3 consecutive terms.

Assam Congress president Ripun Bora and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal shared the stage as part of their campaign for the BTC elections at Kalaigaon in Udalguri.

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This was the first time both the parties came together for a rally even though the proposed Grand Alliance for the 2021 elections is yet to take a formal shape.

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