Who are the Assam Congress Candidates for Bodoland Polls?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Assam Congress fields 31 candidates for BTC elections.
- The elections are scheduled for September 22.
- UPPL currently governs the BTC.
- BJP contests independently for the first time.
- Over 26 lakh registered voters will participate.
Guwahati, Aug 31 (NationPress) On Sunday, the Assam Congress unveiled its initial roster of candidates for the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, set for September 22, announcing nominations for 31 out of the 40 constituencies.
The list was disclosed late on August 30, with the party presenting candidates from various regions within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
Prominent nominees include Ranchana Basumatary, Rananjay Narzary, Kwrwm Mushahry, Sahar Ali, Dwimu Roje, Matilal Basumatary, Sunil Narzary, Rajib Basumatary, Enos Iswary, Amoiyo Narzary, Agostin Narzary, Abhinash Brahma, Safiur Rahman, Buddhadev Phadangary, Jagadish Madahi, Bubul Das, and Dharmeswar Baro.
The BTC, an autonomous governing body, is presently led by the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), an ally of the ruling NDA in Assam, which is aiming for a second consecutive term.
The previous ruling party, Bodoland People's Front (BPF), is also contesting, seeking to reclaim power after being ousted in the last elections.
Interestingly, although UPPL is part of the NDA, the BJP has opted to contest the elections independently.
Political analysts believe the BJP, which has never led the council, is targeting a breakthrough this time, aiming to establish a government in the BTC for the first time.
According to the schedule released by the State Election Commission, the deadline for filing nominations is September 2.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will occur on September 4, while candidates can withdraw until September 6.
Voting for all 40 constituencies will take place on September 22, with vote counting set for September 26.
If necessary, a repolling date has been arranged for September 24.
The BTC elections will encompass constituencies across five districts: Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur, and Udalguri. This time, the electoral roll consists of 26,57,937 registered voters, including 13,23,399 men, 13,34,521 women, and 17 third-gender electors.
Voting will occur in 3,359 polling stations. These elections are being closely monitored as a significant test for regional parties in the BTR and as a political struggle that could alter the balance of power in Assam’s tribal regions.