As Alliances Shift, Hagrama Mohilary and Pramod Boro Eye ‘Kingmaker’ Role in Assam Elections

In Tamulpur, Mohilary, once associated with armed struggle and now a dominant electoral force, arrived alongside Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, signalling a renewed and strategic alliance between the Bodoland People’s Front and the BJP. Their joint appearance, marked by a dramatic helicopter landing and an enthusiastic public reception, underscored a calculated display of unity and consolidation of political strength.

Meanwhile, nearly 70 kilometres away in Udalguri, Boro, a former president of the All Bodo Students Union, stepped out to an equally fervent crowd. Supporters welcomed him with traditional gamusas, reflecting his sustained grassroots appeal and positioning him as a formidable challenger in the region.

At the heart of this contest lies not only regional dominance in Bodoland but also the broader implications for Assam’s political landscape. The Bodoland Territorial Region accounts for 15 Assembly seats. The BPF, led by Mohilary, will contest 11 constituencies, while its ally BJP has fielded candidates in the remaining four. In contrast, the United People’s Party Liberal, under Boro, is contesting all 15 seats independently.

The alliance between the BPF and BJP has seen multiple shifts, shaped by control over the Bodoland Territorial Region and electoral strategies. The emergence of the UPPL in 2015 further strained these ties. Mohilary asserted his continued relevance, stating that his role as a kingmaker would persist and expressing confidence that the NDA would form the government. He dismissed both the UPPL and Congress as challenges, emphasizing development priorities including agriculture, irrigation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Boro countered by highlighting instability in the region and claiming that his party delivered grassroots development during its tenure. He projected that the UPPL would secure 10 to 12 seats within the Bodoland Territorial Region and additional victories outside it. He cited achievements such as constructing over 2,700 kilometres of roads, building temples and sports infrastructure, and promoting decentralisation to reach remote areas.

Addressing past ties with the BJP, Boro stated that the alliance ended due to ideological and political differences, particularly over issues such as violence, which he said were not adequately addressed by national parties. He reiterated that the UPPL would continue to represent regional interests regardless of electoral outcomes.

The shifting political equations are rooted in recent electoral history. After five years out of power, the BPF regained control of the Bodoland Territorial Council last year, winning 28 of 40 seats, while the UPPL secured seven and the BJP five. The Congress failed to win any seats. This victory reaffirmed the BPF’s dominance in BTC elections since 2005. Mohilary, who served as chief executive member from 2005 to 2020, has returned to the position.

The BPF and BJP had previously allied in 2016, with BPF leaders joining the Assam government under Sarbananda Sonowal. However, in 2020, the BJP broke away to form the BTC government with the UPPL. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the BPF aligned with the Congress-led Mahajot.

These developments unfolded against the backdrop of the BPF’s rejection of the third Bodo Accord signed in January 2020 among the All Bodo Students Union, four factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, and the government, aimed at ending insurgency in the region. Boro, then ABSU president, joined the UPPL shortly before the 2020 BTC elections, further intensifying political rivalries.

With the region briefly placed under Governor’s rule following delays in BTC elections due to Covid-19, tensions deepened between the parties. When asked about post-election alliances, Boro stated that decisions would be made after May 4, indicating strategic flexibility.

As Assam prepares to vote on April 9 for its 126 Assembly seats, with counting scheduled for May 4, the contest in Bodoland stands out as a निर्णायक battleground. The outcome here could significantly influence the formation of the next government, placing Mohilary and Boro at the centre of Assam’s shifting political power dynamics.