Tribal groups field new party for Assam polls next year

GUWAHATI: In a new political equation in poll-bound Assam, nine tribal and indigenous organisations have decided to form a party and contest as many as 30 seats in the assembly polls next year.

The new front has been christened as the United People’s Front (UPF). The Tribal bodies took a call during a political convention recently. The convention was presided over by Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) chief Hagrama Mohilary.

BPF is ruling the Bodoland territorial council, the sixth schedule area and has 12 MLAs in state assembly.

Political analysts view this development as significant as this block’s support is going to be crucial in the formation of the next government for no party is likely to get a majority on its own in 2016.

The UPF will represent the Hills State Demand Council, Bodoland People’s Front, Sanmilita Ganashakti Assam, Rabha Hasong Jauth Sangram Samity, Jimosaya People’s Party, Sonowal Kachari Jatiya Parishad, United People’s Front, Tiwa, All Assam Tribal Sangha and United Bodo Peoples Organisation.

Hangrama said, "Coming together was crucial or we would be marginalised in the politics of numbers. Assam still needs a strong regional alternative, in the absence of which, we have decided to make a foray".

Mohilary also claimed that in 2016, no political party can form the government in Assam without the support of the UPF.

The BJP, which is aiming to form the next government in Assam, has been trying to make rapport with the tribals. In 2014, BPF snapped ties with the Congress.

BJP has been trying to get closer to BPF. "We are open for negotiations on the other seats where tribal votes are a deciding factor," said Aditya Khaklari, chief convener of the convention.