UPPL signals possible NDA exit ahead of Assam Assembly polls, decision expected on March 16

The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) is considering exiting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the upcoming elections, party leaders said following a core committee meeting held in Assam's Kokrajhar on March 15.

According to party sources, the UPPL had earlier sent a letter on March 10 to the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but reportedly received no response. In light of this, the party has begun internal discussions on the possibility of withdrawing from the NDA alliance.

Speaking to the media, UPPL General Secretary Raju Kumar Narzary said the matter was discussed during the core committee meeting and an official announcement regarding the party’s decision is expected tomorrow.

Narzary also said the party has already started road rallies across the region and that the final decision will reflect the will of the people. “Whatever decision the people make, we will accept it. We have left it upon them,” he said.

He added that the party believes the balance of power in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) should be maintained, noting that people often turn to MLAs if they are not satisfied with their MCLAs. “We are hopeful for the best,” he said.

Commenting on the resignation of former Assam minister Chandan Brahma, Narzary said the party was grateful for Brahma’s contribution during his time with the UPPL. He stated that respecting Brahma’s position and work, the party had earlier given him the ticket from Kajalgaon as an MCLA candidate.

“At the same time, in 2021 we defeated him when he was not part of the party,” Narzary said, while wishing Brahma the best for his future political career.