
Sat Aug 02 16:53:43 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article written from it:
**Summary:**
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam, India, intends to contest the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections independently, potentially fielding candidates in all 40 constituencies. This signals a shift from their current role as a minor ally to the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) in the BTC, which governs the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the BJP’s seriousness and focus on development after five years of peace. Speculation exists that the BJP might reconcile with the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), their former ally, as the BPF may offer the BJP greater influence in the BTR. Elections are expected by October.
**News Article:**
**BJP to Contest Bodoland Territorial Council Elections Independently, Signaling Major Political Shift**
**GUWAHATI, Assam – August 2, 2025** – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest the upcoming elections to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) independently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday. The move signals a significant change in the political landscape of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), where the BJP currently serves as a minor ally to the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL).
“We are considering fielding candidates in all 40 constituencies in the council,” Sarma stated at a BJP event in Udalguri district. He emphasized the party’s commitment to comprehensive development in the BTR, stating, “We are taking the elections in the BTR seriously this time, and we want to move forward on our strength with a focus on comprehensive development of the region after ensuring peace in the last five years.”
The decision to contest independently reflects a growing desire within the BJP to assert greater influence in the BTR, a region comprising five districts in northern and western Assam. Speculation is rife that the BJP is unhappy with its current secondary position and may seek a new alliance.
Notably, the BJP previously partnered with the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) under the Sarbananda Sonowal government. While the two parties drifted apart before the 2021 Assembly polls, sources suggest a potential reconciliation, as the BPF is considered more likely to cede greater influence to the BJP in the BTR.
Elections to the BTC are anticipated to be held by October. The upcoming polls are expected to be closely contested, with the BJP’s decision to go it alone setting the stage for a potentially dramatic shift in the BTR’s political alignment.