Assam: Political Parties Unveil Candidates for Bodoland Territorial Council Elections 2025

GUWAHATI- As the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections approach on September 22, 2025, major political parties have begun announcing their candidates, setting the stage for a high-stakes triangular contest in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

The elections, covering 40 constituencies across five districts—Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur, and Udalguri—are seen as a crucial precursor to the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. With 26,57,937 eligible voters and 3,359 polling stations, the polls are poised to reshape the political landscape of this autonomous region.

The Congress kicked off the candidate announcements, releasing its first list of 31 contenders for the 40 constituencies on August 30, 2025. The Congress, aiming to regain ground in the tribal belt, is focusing on minority-dominated constituencies, leveraging its historical presence in the region.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), buoyed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s extensive campaign across 40 rallies, announced candidates for 28 constituencies on August 31, 2025. The party, which won nine seats in the 2020 BTC elections, is contesting all 40 seats independently for the first time, signaling its ambition to lead the council. Sarma emphasized reforms in the Village Council Development Committee (VCDC) system and highlighted the BJP’s commitment to peace and development in the BTR, stating, “The overwhelming support at our rallies shows BJP’s strong position to deliver stability and progress.”

The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), the current ruling party led by Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, announced 34 candidates, banking on its “peace-driven development model” bolstered by the 2020 BTR Accord. The UPPL, an NDA ally, is seeking a second consecutive term after securing 12 seats in 2020 and gaining momentum from a recent byelection win in Sidli. Boro expressed confidence, noting, “Our focus on inclusivity and community harmony through initiatives like the Bodoland Happiness Mission resonates with voters.”

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The Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), led by Hagrama Mohilary, is also in the fray, aiming to reclaim power after ruling the BTC from 2003 to 2020. The BPF, which emerged as the single largest party with 17 seats in 2020, has yet to release its full candidate list but is expected to field strong contenders across all constituencies. Political observers anticipate the BPF leveraging its historical dominance and grassroots support among the Bodo community.

The elections, governed by the Bodoland Territorial Council (Election) Rules, 2004, will see 30 constituencies reserved for Scheduled Tribes, five for non-Scheduled Tribes, and five open category seats.

The Assam State Election Commission has set September 2 as the last date for filing nominations, with scrutiny on September 4 and withdrawals by September 6. Vote counting is scheduled for September 26, with the entire process concluding by September 28.

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The absence of pre-poll alliances marks a shift from the 2020 elections, where the UPPL, BJP, and Gana Suraksha Party (GSP) formed a post-poll coalition to govern despite the BPF’s lead.

The BJP’s decision to go solo has intensified competition, with the Congress and regional parties like the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) also contesting independently.

Political analysts view the polls as a litmus test for regional parties and a referendum on the BTR’s peace and development model. With the Model Code of Conduct in effect, the BTR is gearing up for a fiercely contested election. The outcome will not only determine the next BTC government but also set the tone for Assam’s broader political landscape ahead of 2026.