Assam: UPPL gains ground as ex-Congress leader, 100 others switch sides ahead of BTC polls

With the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections set for September, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) made a major push in Kokrajhar, as key political figures and over 100 grassroots workers from rival parties joined its ranks on Sunday.

 

Former General Secretary of the Kokrajhar District Congress Committee, Habel Sheikh, formally joined the UPPL at a large rally held in Naigaon. Alongside Sheikh, dozens of workers from both the Congress and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) shifted their support to the ruling BTC party in what is being viewed as a strategic move ahead of the polls.

 

The induction event, organised by the Baokhungri Block unit of the UPPL, was aimed at expanding the party’s base in the Baokhungri constituency — a key electoral region for the upcoming vote.

 

Senior UPPL leaders, including MLA Lawrence Islary and former BTC Deputy Chief Khampha Borgoyary, were present at the rally to welcome the new members. The scale of the defection is seen as a boost to the ruling party’s efforts to retain control of the council.

 

BTC Executive Member Ranjit Basumatary, addressing the crowd, said the latest political shift reflects growing public support for the current administration.

 

“We are taking every step to strengthen our position. The people have faith in the leadership of Pramod Boro, and we are confident of returning to power,” Basumatary said.

 

The BTC elections are expected to be closely contested, with multiple parties eyeing control over the autonomous region.