The stage is set for a high-stakes political battle in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) following the official announcement of election dates yesterday. As the region braces for another round of intense campaigning, the two key regional players — the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) — have already announced their candidates. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite being a major player in Assam’s politics and an important stakeholder in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), has yet to declare a single name.
This triangular contest is expected to redefine equations in the Bodo heartland, where shifting alliances and leadership battles continue to shape the political landscape.
BPF Goes Aggressive with 21 Candidates
The BPF, once the dominant force under the long leadership of Hagrama Mohilary, has wasted no time in showcasing its strength. The party has already declared 21 candidates out of the 40 constituencies — a bold move meant to project confidence and organizational preparedness.
The biggest headline is that Hagrama Mohilary himself will contest from Debargaon constituency, marking his return to direct electoral battle after losing power in 2020. Alongside him, BPF has fielded several familiar faces such as Derhasat Basumatary (Salakati), William Narzary (Jamduar), Rabiram Narzary (Kachugaon), Dhaneswar Gouari (Baukhungri), and Maheswar Basumatary (Goreswar).
By putting Mohilary back in the fray, the BPF is signaling that it is not just contesting the election but attempting a full-fledged comeback. For many in the party rank and file, his candidacy is expected to re-energize the grassroots base. Whether this momentum translates into electoral success will determine the future of BPF in the fast-changing BTC political theatre.
UPPL Names 18 Candidates, But Chief Keeps Seat a Mystery
The UPPL, which came to power in 2020 with support from the BJP, has played its cards differently. The party has announced 18 names so far, balancing experienced leaders with energetic younger candidates.
Candidates such as Wilson Hasda (Srirampur), Saranjit Basumatary (Jamduar), Raju Kumar Narzary (Soraibil), Chandan Brahma (Kajalgaon), and Pradip Narzary (Suklai Serfang) stand out in the list. The strategy reflects a desire to both consolidate existing strongholds and project a fresh image.
The biggest suspense, however, surrounds UPPL chief and current Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro. So far, Boro has not revealed the seat from which he plans to contest. Many say this is a deliberate ploy to keep rivals guessing and to maximize the surprise factor when the announcement is finally made.
BJP Yet to Announce Any Candidate
Perhaps the most intriguing element of the unfolding electoral drama is the BJP’s silence. Despite being a major stakeholder, the party has not released a single candidate list yet. This has triggered speculation that BJP is holding back to bargain hard during seat-sharing discussions, or waiting until the last moment to minimize chances of political sabotage.
For BJP, the stakes are high: the BTC elections are not just about council governance but also about consolidating long-term influence in BTR politics. Any sign of overreach or neglect could cost it dearly among the Bodo electorate.
A Battle of Comeback vs Continuity
With BPF declaring 21 candidates and UPPL releasing 18 names, the battlefield is already partly drawn. While BPF is banking on a bold comeback under Hagrama Mohilary, UPPL is projecting continuity, stability, and youthful energy under Pramod Boro. BJP, for now, is keeping its cards close to its chest.
This contest is not just about winning the council—it is about setting the tone for the political future of Assam’s Bodo belt.
Constituency-Wise Candidate List (So Far)
Below is an easy reference table of candidates announced till now:
| Sl. No. | Constituency | BPF Candidate | UPPL Candidate | BJP Candidate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parbatjhora (ST) | Moon Moon Brahma | – | – |
| 2 | Guma (Open) | Antaz Ali | – | – |
| 3 | Srirampur (Non ST) | Mukleswar Ahmed | Wilson Hasda | – |
| 4 | Jamduar (ST) | William Narzary | Saranjit Basumatary | – |
| 5 | Soraibil (ST) | Mritunjoy Narzary | Raju Kumar Narzary | – |
| 6 | Kachugaon (ST) | Rabiram Narzary | – | – |
| 7 | Fakiragram (Non ST) | – | Afjal Hoque Sarkar | – |
| 8 | Dotma (ST) | Prakash Basumatary | – | – |
| 9 | Banargaon (ST) | – | Rabiram Brahma | – |
| 10 | Debargaon (ST) | Hagrama Mohilary | – | – |
| 11 | Baukhungri (ST) | Dhaneswar Gouari | Ranjit Basumatary | – |
| 12 | Salakati (ST) | Derhasat Basumatary | Lawrence Islary | – |
| 13 | Chirang (ST) | Sukursing Muchahary | Saikhong Basumatary | – |
| 15 | Kajalgaon (ST) | Paniram Brahma | Chandan Brahma | – |
| 16 | Nichima (ST) | James Basumatary | – | – |
| 17 | Sobhaijhar (ST) | Dhiraj Borgoyary | – | – |
| 18 | Manas Serfang (ST) | – | Dhananjay Basumatary | – |
| 20 | Mathanguri (Open) | Begom Akhtara Ahmed | – | – |
| 22 | Koklabari (ST) | – | Mantu Baro | – |
| 23 | Dihira (Open) | Augustush Tigga | – | – |
| 24 | Mushalpur (ST) | – | Rakesh Brahma | – |
| 25 | Baganpara (ST) | – | Kati Ram Baro | – |
| 26 | Darrangaijuli (ST) | Emmanuel Muchahary | Jolen Daimary | – |
| 27 | Nagrijuli (Non ST) | – | Rabin Bala Biswas | – |
| 29 | Suklai Serfang (ST) | Ganesh Kachary | Pradip Narzary | – |
| 30 | Goreswar (ST) | Maheswar Basumatary | – | – |
| 31 | Khiwribari (ST) | Lwmsrao Daimary | – | – |
| 37 | Dhwiwnsri (ST) | Fresh Mushahari | Rujugwra Mushahary | – |
| 38 | Bhairabkunda (ST) | Rihon Daimary | – | – |
| 40 | Rowta (ST) | – | Nilut Swargiary | – |
🟢 Total BPF candidates announced = 21
🟠 Total UPPL candidates announced = 18
🔴 BJP candidates announced = 0 (so far)
Conclusion
The BTC Election 2025 is shaping up to be a historic showdown between comeback, continuity, and calculation. With BPF’s aggressive push of 21 candidates, UPPL’s strategic unveiling of 18, and BJP’s suspenseful silence, the Bodoland region is witnessing one of its most unpredictable political contests in years.
For voters, this election is not just about council administration — it’s about identity, leadership, and the future course of Bodoland’s political journey.