Fissures have emerged within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam, as the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), a significant member in the Bodoland Territorial Council, has formally requested clarification from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding its status in the alliance regarding the forthcoming Assam Assembly elections. UPPL’s unease has primarily stemmed from the inclusion of its rival, the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), in the NDA. In a letter directed to state BJP president Dilip Saikia, UPPL general secretary Raju Kumar Narzary expressed concern over various statements made by BJP leaders in the media, prompting the party’s Core Committee to seek an official stance on their alliance with the NDA.
Despite both parties being part of the NDA, there has been no arrangement for seat-sharing due to the long-standing rivalry between UPPL and BPF within the BTC. Compounding the issue, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has indicated that UPPL and BPF should independently arrange their seat-sharing agreement, leaving UPPL feeling increasingly marginalized and sidelined by the BJP and the NDA structure. This situation reflects broader political dynamics and challenges that may impact the upcoming elections in Assam.
