TANGLA: On Monday, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed two rallies as part of the BJP’s campaign for the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) election scheduled for September 2025. One rally took place in Orang, covering the Pasnoi Serfang and Rowta constituencies, while the other was held in Udalguri, focusing on the Bhairabkunda and Dhansiri constituencies. Chief Minister Sarma remarked that although the BTC has experienced growth and development since its establishment in 2003, numerous challenges still persist. He referenced the 2020 BTR Peace Accord, stating that the agreement brought about ‘permanent peace and prosperity’ in a region previously affected by insurgency and communal conflict. Sarma declared that the upcoming BTC election would be free from ‘intimidation or violence,’ emphasizing that the results would reflect the free will and mandate of the citizens.
“The 26 communities of the BTR possess equal rights, akin to the merging of the Pagladia, Nonai, and Dhansiri rivers into the Brahmaputra—distinct in their origins, yet unified in their flow,” he stated, insisting that no community should be regarded as ‘first, second, or third-class citizens.’ He affirmed that all communities should equally benefit from government initiatives, including Orunodoi and PMAY, as well as land rights comparable to those of the rest of Assam. Sarma connected the land issue to ‘dignity, opportunity, and inclusivity,’ presenting it as both a developmental and social justice necessity. The Chief Minister also advocated for reforms in the Village Council Development Committee (VCDC) system to guarantee the direct delivery of welfare benefits. “The denial of schemes and land rights leads citizens to feel like second-class residents in their own territory. The BJP is dedicated to ensuring dignified access for every citizen,” he asserted. The rallies were attended by Assam Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika, BJP Minority Morcha President Santiuse Kujur, Udalguri district BJP President Sunil Kumar Basumatary, along with other senior leaders.
