GUWAHATI: With Assembly elections in Assam expected in April, the BJP is inching closer to finalising its alliance with regional parties Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the BJP is keen on 100% seat-sharing with the AGP. “But if there disputes in some seats, then they will see a friendly contest. Wherever possible, we will have a seat-sharing deal. Where it is not possible, we will have a friendly contest,” Sarma said, adding that the BJP-AGP alliance is likely to be finalised by March 10. He said the BJP’s alliance with the BPF was more or less finalised on Thursday.
The BPF, which rules the autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), is a powerhouse in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) which has 15 Assembly seats.
Sarma did not speak about the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). The BJP had ruled the BTC in alliance with the UPPL from 2020-2025 until both were ousted from power. The BPF had swept the BTC polls, bagging 28 of the 40 seats.
After the poll debacle, the BJP renewed its alliance with the BPF. A BPF legislator was also inducted into the ministry. The BPF and the UPPL are bitter foes, and it is to be seen if the BJP forges an alliance with the Pramod Boro-led UPPL.
Meanwhile, the BJP will launch a “Jan Ashirwad Yatra” from Saturday. The Chief Minister said the BJP’s target would be to cover 40 to 50 Assembly constituencies under the yatra, which will begin from Gupteshwar temple under Dhekiajuli constituency.
“Through this yatra, developmental and welfare initiatives of Central and state governments will be taken to the people, while seeking their blessings for elections,” the BJP said in a statement.
Last month, the Congress had taken out an outreach campaign, “Raijor Podulit Raijor Congress” (People’s Congress at People’s Doorsteps).
‘Tie-up with Bodoland People’s Front finalised’
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the BJP’s alliance with the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) was more or less finalised on Thursday. The BPF, which rules the autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council, is a powerhouse in the Bodoland Territorial Region which has 15 Assembly seats. Sarma did not speak about the United People’s Party Liberal.