Assam: UPPL officially breaks away from NDA alliance ahead of Assam polls, cites ideological rift

The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) has officially severed ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), citing irreconcilable ideological differences with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Addressing the media in Kokrajhar, UPPL Vice President Dr. R.N. Sinha confirmed the party’s exit from the NDA, stating that prolonged ideological divergences with the BJP compelled the leadership to take an independent political path. The decision comes shortly after the party unveiled its first phase of candidates, signaling a clear intent to contest the elections on its own strength.

Dr. Sinha further asserted that the UPPL will field candidates across all 15 constituencies within the BTR, expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects. He projected that the party is likely to secure victory in at least 11 seats within the region, while also aiming to expand its footprint by winning three additional seats outside the BTR.

The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) on March 16 released its first list of candidates for seven constituencies for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections, scheduled to be held on April 9 under the supervision of the Election Commission of India. The announcement follows the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, with political parties intensifying campaign efforts across the state.

According to an official notification, party president Pramod Boro approved the nominations based on recommendations from the party’s Central Working Committee and Core Committee. Boro, who previously served as the Chief Executive Member of the BTR, will contest from the 43 No. Tamulpur (ST) constituency.

The candidate list includes Aninda Basumatary from 1 No. Gossaigaon, Raju Kumar Narzary from 2 No. Dotma (ST), and Lawrence Islary from 3 No. Kokrajhar (ST). Additionally, Nerswn Boro has been nominated from 45 No. Bhergaon, Dipen Boro from 46 No. Udalguri (ST), and Kamalsingh Narzary from 20 No. Bijni.

The list was formally issued by UPPL General Secretary (Administration) Raju Kumar Narzary for wider public dissemination.

The UPPL’s decision to exit the NDA and contest independently is expected to reshape electoral equations in Assam, particularly in the BTR, where regional aspirations and identity politics remain central to voter sentiment. With alliances shifting and parties recalibrating strategies, the upcoming polls are set to witness a keenly contested battle across constituencies