Breaking: Governor's Rule Imposed in 'Bodoland Territorial Council' of Assam

Guwahati, April 27, 2020:

In a significant development predicted well in advance by Inside Northeast, Governor's Rule has been imposed in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) after the failure of the Election Commission to conduct elections in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The Governor of Assam has now assumed to himself with immediate effect the administration of the said districts and all functions and powers are vested in or exercisable by the Bodoland Territorial Council", read a notification undersigned by M Angamuthu, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam.

The notification further stated that that "the administration of the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts cannot be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

It is pertinent to mention here that Inside Northeast earlier in the month had published a report that prophesied that Governor's Rule would be enforced in the region, upon failure to conduct polls. The report, published on April 8, stated, "Governor’s Rule is likely to be imposed in the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) from April 27 onwards, Inside Northeast has been informed by top official sources."

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It may be added here that the Council Polls were scheduled to be held on April 4. The result was scheduled to be announced on April 8, i.e., today. However, due to the outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19, the polls were delayed indefinitely. Making the announcement on March 20, the state’s election commission also directed that the election campaigns and rallies would be halted after March 22. Speaking on the issue, Assam Health and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the polls would be held once the situation becomes “normal”.

At the same time, the ruling Bodoland People's Party (BPF) politicians have been batting for an extended rule in the region in the light of the crisis situation that is unfolding nationwide.

Talking to Inside Northeast earlier today, BPF leader Biswajit Daimary said that nobody knows when the elections will be held, and hence, the decision must be taken on the basis of the Constitutional provisions.

“The Election Commission has been unable to provide answers, the State Government has been unable to provide answers, thus we hope the decision will be taken as per the Constitution. In the first provision of the 6th Schedule’s 6A states clearly that in case the Government has ruled for 5 years and elections are not held, the Governor can extend the Government by 1 more year; and if the crisis period continues, it can be extended by another 6 months", he said.

Regarding calls for Governor’s Rule in the region, Daimary said that there is no provision for Governor’s Rule in such a scenario as exists currently in the BTC. “The Governor must take such decisions based on reports forwarded by a commission. “Where is the commission?”, Daimary queried.

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