Fierce contest between local parties in Kokrajhar

Bodoland's political arena is witnessing a fierce contest between United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF). Both parties are claiming their pre-eminent role in fostering stability in this once-troubled region. BJP has left the Kokrajhar (ST) seat for its ally UPPL.

UPPL has fielded Joyanta Basumatary, an MLA from Sidli assembly constituency and a former vice-president of the All-Bodo Students' Union. BPF has fielded Kampa Borgoyary.

BPF was in power in Bodoland Territorial Council, a sixth schedule area since its formation in 2005, before being ousted by UPPL in 2020. BPF maintains equidistance from Congress and BJP but coordinates with BJP in state assembly.


All India United Democratic Front, with support base among Muslims, has extended support to BPF in Kokrajhar.

Sixth schedule arrangement for Bodoland Territorial council was made after an accord with the erstwhile militant outfit Bodo Liberation Tigers, following which its cadres joined the political mainstream.

BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary has claimed that peace and development in Bodoland began only after the accord with BLT. Promod Boro, however, claimed that UPPL's endeavour led to permanent peace in the region.

Meanwhile, the nomination papers of two-time MP Naba Kumar Sarania, Gana Suraksha Party chief, have been rejected after his Scheduled Tribe certificate was found invalid.