Assam: Bodoland Territorial Council executive member faces citizenship allegations, eligibility under scrutiny

A fresh political controversy has erupted in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) after BTC Executive Member Begum Akhtara Ahmed faced allegations regarding her residency status, raising questions about her eligibility to contest elections and hold office.

Addressing a press conference at the UPPL central office in Kokrajhar, party spokesperson Garjan Mushahary claimed that Begum Akhtara Ahmed, a BPF MLA from the Mathanguri Council constituency in Baksa, was listed as a resident of the Barpeta constituency in the 2005 voter list. According to Mushahary, she only moved to the BTC region around 2008 and obtained voting rights there in the same year.

Mushahary questioned how she could have contested the BTC elections or assumed the position of Executive Member if she was not a BTC resident prior to 2008.

He also raised concerns about other members, alleging that Hemprabha Devi, a nominated council member, is a resident of Kamrup Metro and does not hold a BTC address even now. Additionally, he pointed out that Karmeshwar Rai, an Executive Member of the Kamatapur Autonomous Council, has been appointed in BTC from the Rajbanshi community, which he claims raises procedural concerns.
Terming these matters as serious violations of administrative norms, the UPPL spokesperson demanded immediate and appropriate action, accusing the current BTC leadership of overlooking eligibility criteria and compromising the integrity of the council.