BTC polls 2020 likely to be held in two phases on Dec 8 and 12: Source

Kokrajhar: Now, for some updates from upcoming elections in the Bodo Territorial Region. With the elections drawing closer, highly-placed official sources have confirmed that the polls in the Bodo-dominated region of Assam are likely to take place in two phases. The BTC polls 2020 are expected to be a four-way contest between the BJP, BPF, UPPL, and Kokrajhar MP Kumar Sarania's Gana Suraksha Party.

Polling for the 40 seats of the BTC was scheduled to be held on April 4 and the results were to be announced on April 8. But in March, as the COVID 19 pandemic broke out, the state poll panel indefinitely deferred them. The BTR is currently under Governor Jagadish Mukhi's rule.

"From initial discussions, it appears that the election in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) shall be held in two phases on December 8 and December 12. However, the final call in this regard shall be taken by the Election Commission of India (ECI)," an official source told Inside Northeast.

Also Read: 4 categories of persons exempted from COVID-19 tests in Assam; Check the details here

Para-ilitary forces stationed in Assam, which have deployed to Bihar to keep the peace during polls, will also be back in time for the elections in the BTC. "As per reports, around 60-65 companies of troopers have been deployed to Bihar for the polls. Once the polls there are wrapped up, they will be back to beef up security in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) for the polls," the source added.

The polling for the 243-member Bihar assembly elections 2020 will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3, and November 7.

That the delayed polls in the Bodo-dominated region shall be held in the month of December seems to be a foregone conclusion. State Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently said that the fourth BTC elections would be held within December by following the COVID-19 protocols. Talking to media persons, Sarma said that the State Cabinet in its recent meeting decided that the elections would be held within December, adding that everything would depend on the pandemic situation.

With the BTC polls inching closer by the day, there is every indication that China is helping Northeast Indian insurgents create turmoil on Indian soil amid heightened tensions between the two parties. The recovery of a large number of sophisticated weapons, including more than 50 AK series rifles in the BTC area, is also a cause of concern. Keeping this in view, top personnel of the army have agreed that counter-insurgency operations to recover weapons concealed by militants and former militants should continue.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:                                                                  

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.