Guwahati, Assam: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today, June 21, unveiled significant internal changes within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while offering insights into the evolving political landscape of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The Chief Minister’s remarks touched upon party restructuring, a defence of government aid policies, and the intricate alliances at play in the BTR.
Confirming a fresh wave of organisational adjustments, Chief Minister Sarma announced the formation of a new committee within the BJP. He clarified that district presidents would be ineligible to contest forthcoming elections, a strategic move aimed at reinforcing internal oversight and nurturing leadership at the foundational level. However, he stressed that all other party members remained free to participate in electoral contests.
Addressing recent queries regarding a government assistance scheme benefiting a minister’s spouse, CM Sarma robustly defended the practice. “What’s wrong if someone receives government aid?” he questioned, adding, “Anyone who applies is eligible. Even individual or special requests can be considered. Frankly, it’s better to raise and feed cattle than to kill and consume them.” His statement underscored the government’s stance on accessibility to welfare schemes for all eligible citizens.
Shifting focus to the regional political arena, CM Sarma made a candid admission regarding the BJP’s standing in the BTR. “We need the support of both the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) to strengthen our position in the region,” he stated, acknowledging the necessity of collaborative efforts to solidify the party’s presence in the ethnically diverse area.
Furthermore, in a notable response to a recent comment by Gobinda Basumatary, the Chief Minister concurred, “He is right — UPPL does not require support from anyone else.” This statement highlighted the perceived self-sufficiency and independent political strength of the UPPL within the BTR.
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