Assam: GSP withdraws support from UPPL, announces alliance with BPF ahead of BTC polls

In a significant political development ahead of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, the Gana Suraksha Party (GSP), led by former Member of Parliament Naba Kumar Sarania, has officially announced its decision to withdraw support from the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and align with the Hagrama Mohilary-led Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).

Addressing the media at the Kokrajhar Press Club on Sunday, Sarania accused the Pramod Boro-led BTC government of failing to fulfill the promises made during the last elections. He expressed disappointment over the alleged non-implementation of critical provisions of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Accord, which, according to him, has led to widespread public dissatisfaction.

“The Pramod Boro-led administration has failed to deliver the promised development. The key clauses of the BTR Accord remain unaddressed, and the people are losing faith,” Sarania remarked.

He further announced that the GSP would now “wholeheartedly” work towards forming a new BTC government under the leadership of BPF. Sarania also hinted at the possibility of contesting the upcoming election himself, stating that he would do so if the people desired it.

Predicting a strong performance by the BPF-GSP alliance, Sarania estimated that the BPF alone could secure 20 to 22 seats in the council. He claimed that apart from this alliance, no other party would manage to win seats in the districts of Chirang and Kokrajhar. However, the final decision on how many seats GSP will contest is yet to be finalized.

It may be noted that in the 2020 BTC elections, GSP had secured just one seat. The current BTC administration was formed under Pramod Boro’s leadership with the support of both the BJP and GSP. With this political realignment, the stage is set for a reshaping of alliances and electoral dynamics in the upcoming polls.