GUWAHATI, Feb 29 - The Bodoland People�s Front (BPF) is keen to continue the alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in the ensuing polls to the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The party has also sought cooperation of all the four factions of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) for the polls.
Talking to The Assam Tribune, BPF acting general secretary Prabin Boro said as the BPF is in an alliance with the BJP and AGP in the State government, the party is keen on continuing the alliance in the BTR. But if differences of opinion crop up on the issue of seat sharing, the BPF is also ready to contest the polls alone.
Boro said the BPF has announced its candidates for 18 constituencies and the party is ready to discuss adjustments with alliance partners BJP and AGP in rest of the constituencies.
He said that as all the four factions of the NDFB have come overground by signing peace pacts with the government, the BPF has communicated with the leaders of all the factions seeking their support. However, the leaders of the NDFB factions are yet to make their stand clear on the issue.
As former All Bodo Students� Union (ABSU) president Promod Boro recently joined the United People�s Party Liberal (UPPL), the BPF is likely to face tough contest in the ensuing polls. However, the BPF acting general secretary said that in the past also, the UPPL contested the polls. �On earlier occasions, the ABSU extended full support to the UPPL candidates. Candidates of the UPPL were allowed to use the offices of the ABSU. The only difference is that this time a few ABSU leaders have joined the UPPL and they will be contesting the polls,� he added.
Replying to a question on whether the BPF would face strong anti-incumbency factor after ruling the area for 15 years, Boro said the people of the BTR have seen development of the area during the BPF rule. People are aware of the role played by the BPF in the peace process, which led to the signing of the agreement with the NDFB factions. �We are confident that the people will consider these factors while casting their votes,� he added.
