Guwahati, Mar 18 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) is no longer a part of the BJP-led alliance in the state, while the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) will remain in the coalition.
The UPPL and the BPF are rival parties in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area, an autonomous region in the state, created in 2003 under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The BTC region sends 15 MLAs to the assembly.
Sarma said that with seat sharing between the allies – BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and BPF – finalised, the names of the constituencies from which each party will be contesting are likely to be revealed later in the day.
Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Sarma said, “The UPPL will contest 15 seats, and our best wishes are with them. Our alliance is with the BPF.” Assembly elections for the 126-member House will be held on April 9, and votes will be counted on May 4.
The UPPL was part of the BJP-led coalition government under Sarma for the entire five years, while the BPF lent its support later. Both parties had ministers in the state Cabinet.
The BPF had also been a part of the previous BJP-led coalition government in 2016. Prior to it, the BPF was a partner of the Congress-led governments since 2006.
The BPF had been in power in the BTC since its formation in 2005 before the UPPL ousted it in 2020. However, the BPF returned to the helm in the Council polls once again in 2025.
Sarma said the AGP will be fielding its candidates in 26 seats, the same number it had contested in the last Assembly elections.
The BPF has been given 11 constituencies under the seat-sharing arrangements.
“After our parliamentary meeting this evening, we can probably announce the names of the seats,” he added.
The BJP, AGP and BPF are yet to announce any candidates for the Assembly elections.
In the outgoing Assembly, the ruling BJP’s strength in the 126-member Assam Assembly is 64, while its allies AGP has nine MLAs, UPPL has seven, and BPF has three members.
In the opposition camp, the Congress’ strength is 26 members, AIUDF has 15 legislators and CPI(M) has one MLA. There is one Independent legislator also. PTI SSG NN
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