InsideNE Exclusive: 'Probable list' of BPF candidates for Assam polls; check names here

GUWAHATI: The Hagrama Mohilary-led Bodoland People's Front (BPF)is likely to field candidates who have already proven their mettle as it heads to the polls with a clear intent to 'defeat' former allies 'Bharatiya Janata Party' that ditched its ally ahead of the Council elections before going on to form a coalition government with the UPPL and GSP parties.

 

According to sources, the party is likely to field most of the sitting MLAs in the 12 Constituencies.

 

In Paneri, the BPF party is likely to field sitting MLA Kamala Rani Basumatary, while Majendra Narzary, another sitting MLA, will likely be given a party ticket to retain his stronghold.

 

Rabiram Narzary, the sitting MLA of West Kokrajhar, will again contest the polls this time around, hoping to retain BPF dominance.

 

Pramila Rani Brahma, a 6-time MLA from the East Kokrajhar Constituency, will contest the elections again, sources added. Pramila, who holds the Social Welfare portfolio in the Sarbananda Sonowal cabinet, seems to be a 'safe' option given her consistency.

 

It is all but certain that Assam Tourism Minister Chandan Brahma will contest from Sidli, while Kamal Sing Narzary -- another MLA -- will contest from Bijni.

 

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Chandi Basumatary, who lost out to Promod Boro while contesting from the Goybari Constituency in the BTC elections, will be floated again -- this time as an MLA hopeful from the Tamulpur Constituency. In Baksa's Tamulpur, he will once again be confronted by the forces of Boro, who holds major sway there.

 

Meanwhile, another sitting MLA, Maneswar Brahma, is likely to receive a ticket to contest from Barama. Thaneswar Basumatary, another MLA, will likely be handed a ticket to contest from his Sapaguri Constituency.

 

In Kalaigaon, there is a strong possibility Maheshwar Bodo -- the sitting MLA -- will receive a party ticket. However, party insiders have revealed that prominent Congress leader Durga Das Boro wants to contest from the Seat. BPF supremo Hagrama Mohilary, however, said that he must contest on a BPF ticket.

 

Charan Boro is almost a sureshot to contest from Mazbat Constituency, while Rihon Daimary -- sitting MLA and Minister -- is likely to contest from Udalguri.

 

After the BPF's alliance with its former allies (BJP and Asom Gana Parishad) turned foul, it joined the Mahajuth (or 'grand alliance') of the Congress to foil the saffron brigade.

 

The announcement from BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary came less than a month before the three-phase elections to the 126-member Assembly are to be held.

 

“To work for peace, unity, and development, the BJP has joined hands with the Mahajath [grand alliance] for the upcoming Assembly elections. We shall no longer maintain friendship or alliance with the BJP,” Mr Mohilary said on Saturday night.