In a significant political development that has sent ripples across Assam’s political landscape, the Bodoland People’s Front has officially joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party, marking the formal return of the BPF-BJP alliance to the state’s ruling coalition. The induction of BPF leader Charan Boro into the Assam cabinet on October 18, 2025, symbolises a strategic realignment that could fundamentally alter the political arithmetic ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly elections.
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This momentous occasion, held at Raj Bhavan in Guwahati, witnessed Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administering the oath of office to Boro, the two-term legislator from Majbat constituency. The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BPF supremo Hagrama Mohilary, cabinet ministers, members of parliament, and senior government officials, underscoring the importance of this political alliance.
The BPF BJP Alliance: Historical Context and Recent Dynamics
The BPF BJP alliance represents a reunion of erstwhile partners who had parted ways under complex political circumstances. Understanding this partnership requires examining the intricate political history of Bodoland and Assam’s ever-shifting alliance patterns.
The Bodoland People’s Front, founded by Hagrama Mohilary, has been a dominant force in the Bodoland Territorial Region since 2005. The party was initially allied with the BJP when the saffron party came to power in Assam in 2016. However, relationships soured during the 2020 Bodoland Territorial Council elections when the BJP chose to partner with the United People’s Party Liberal instead, sidelining the BPF despite it being the largest party.
This perceived betrayal led the BPF to join the Congress-led Mahajot alliance for the 2021 Assam Assembly elections. However, the party continued to provide outside support to the BJP-led government in the state assembly, maintaining a pragmatic approach to governance despite its formal opposition status. The recent revival of the BPF BJP alliance follows the party’s spectacular victory in the September 2025 BTC elections, where it secured 28 of 40 seats, decisively reclaiming its dominance in the Bodoland region.
Charan Boro: The Face of the New Alliance
Charan Boro, the 40-year-old leader who represents this renewed partnership, brings youth and experience to the cabinet. A graduate of Cotton College and a postgraduate from Gauhati University, Boro is regarded as one of the rising leaders within the BPF. First elected from Majbat constituency in 2016, he successfully defended his seat in 2021, demonstrating his electoral strength even when his party was outside the ruling coalition.
Reports indicate that Boro will likely be assigned the Transport Department portfolio, a significant responsibility that will allow him to demonstrate the BPF’s governance capabilities. His induction marks not just personal achievement but represents the BPF’s formal entry into the decision-making apparatus of the state government.
Strategic Implications for the 2026 Elections
The revival of the BPF BJP alliance carries profound implications for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. The Bodoland Territorial Region comprises 10 of Assam’s 126 assembly constituencies, making it a crucial battleground. In the 2021 elections, the UPPL won six seats from this region while the BPF secured four, contesting on Congress tickets.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the strategic importance of this alliance, stating that the NDA will develop a collaborative approach for the upcoming elections. He indicated that detailed discussions regarding seat-sharing arrangements and candidate selection would be finalised by December 2025 or January 2026. The BPF BJP alliance strengthens the NDA’s position in lower Assam, particularly in tribal and minority-dominated constituencies across the BTR.
The ruling coalition, which currently targets securing over 100 seats in the 2026 elections, views the BPF BJP alliance as instrumental in achieving this ambitious goal. With the BJP confident of winning over 75 seats independently, the addition of regional partners like the BPF, Asom Gana Parishad, and potentially the UPPL could push the NDA well beyond the majority mark.
The UPPL Predicament: Political Uncertainty
The formation of the BPF BJP alliance has created an uncertain situation for the United People’s Party Liberal, which has been the BJP’s primary Bodo partner since 2020. UPPL leader Pramod Boro, who served as BTC Chief Executive Member until the recent elections, saw his party reduced to just seven seats in the September council polls.
BPF supremo Hagrama Mohilary had reportedly set a precondition for joining the NDA, demanding that the UPPL be removed from the coalition. However, Chief Minister Sarma has maintained a diplomatic stance, stating that UPPL minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma continues to serve in the cabinet and that the party remains part of discussions for 2026.
This delicate balancing act reveals the BJP’s strategic approach to alliance management. While the BPF BJP alliance has been formalised, the party appears reluctant to completely alienate the UPPL, perhaps keeping options open or seeking to minimise political backlash in certain constituencies where the UPPL retains influence.
Cabinet Composition and Political Balance
With Charan Boro’s induction, the Assam cabinet now comprises 18 members, including the Chief Minister. The composition reflects the NDA’s coalition character: 15 ministers from the BJP, two from the Asom Gana Parishad, and one each from the UPPL and BPF. This marks the fourth and likely final cabinet expansion before the 2026 elections, filling the last vacant ministerial position.
The inclusion of the BPF in the cabinet strengthens the government’s representation from the Bodoland region and demonstrates the BJP’s commitment to inclusive governance. However, it also highlights the complex political calculations required to maintain coalition unity while preparing for electoral battles.
The BTC Victory: Foundation of the Alliance
The BPF BJP alliance became politically viable primarily due to the BPF’s overwhelming victory in the Bodoland Territorial Council elections. Winning 28 of 40 seats represented a stunning comeback for Hagrama Mohilary, marking his fifth consecutive victory in BTC elections since 2005. This electoral mandate gave the BPF considerable negotiating leverage with the BJP.
The BJP, which independently contested the BTC polls, managed only five seats, down from nine in 2020. This poor performance underscored the party’s limited independent appeal in the Bodoland region and necessitated a strategic reconciliation with its former ally. The BPF’s sweep effectively reset the political dynamics in the region, forcing the BJP to acknowledge the party’s continued dominance among Bodo voters.
Hagrama Mohilary emphasised that the BPF always works in the interest of the BTC, and cooperation with the state government is essential since council finances are controlled by Dispur, the state capital. This pragmatic approach to politics—aligning with whoever holds state power—has been a hallmark of Mohilary’s long political career.
Opposition Challenges and Electoral Prospects
Opposition Challenges and Electoral ProspectsThe strengthening of the BPF-BJP alliance poses significant challenges for opposition parties in Assam. The Congress, which showed signs of revival during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has struggled to build momentum at the state level. The party’s performance in recent panchayat elections was disappointing, and it lacks a cohesive strategy to counter the NDA’s expanding coalition.
The All India United Democratic Front, once a major force in Muslim-dominated constituencies, continues its downward trajectory. Other opposition parties like the Left, Raijor Dal, and Assam Jatiya Parishad have failed to make a significant electoral impact. The absence of a united opposition front works to the advantage of the BPF BJP alliance and the broader NDA coalition.
Political analysts suggest that unless opposition parties can forge meaningful alliances and present a credible alternative governance model, the NDA appears well-positioned for another term. The BPF BJP alliance addresses one of the NDA’s potential vulnerabilities—maintaining support in the Bodoland region—thereby strengthening its overall electoral prospects.
Long-term Political Implications
Beyond the immediate electoral calculations, the BPF BJP alliance reflects broader trends in Indian regional politics. Regional parties increasingly view alliances with national parties as pragmatic necessities rather than ideological commitments. The BPF’s ability to switch from Congress to the JP based on power equations demonstrates this transactional approach to coalition politics.
For the BJP, successfully managing multiple regional partners while maintaining its organisational identity represents both an opportunity and a challenge. The party must balance the demands of allies like the BPF, AGP, and UPPL while ensuring its core support base remains satisfied. The coming months will test the BJP’s alliance management skills as it negotiates seat-sharing formulas and addresses potentially competing interests among coalition partners.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has maintained personal relationships across party lines, including with Hagrama Mohilary since 2001-02, plays a crucial role in managing these complex political relationships. His leadership will be instrumental in maintaining coalition unity through the election period.
Development Agenda and Governance Priorities
While electoral calculations dominate current discussions, the BPF-BJP alliance also carries implications for governance and development in the Bodoland region. Chief Minister Sarma has pledged to work together with the BPF government for the upliftment of all communities in the BTR. The state government has promised full support to the new BTC administration while respecting its autonomy.
The Assam cabinet is scheduled to meet with BTC executive members to discuss collaborative development initiatives. Priority areas likely include infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for the region’s predominantly tribal population. The success of these initiatives could influence voter perceptions during the 2026 elections.
However, critics argue that development has taken a backseat to polarising themes, particularly illegal migration and identity politics. Recent communal tensions in districts like Dhubri have raised concerns about the government’s approach to maintaining social harmony while pursuing electoral strategies.
Conclusion: Electoral Arithmetic and Political Future
The formation of the BPF BJP alliance represents a calculated strategic move by both parties as they prepare for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. For the BJP, it strengthens its position in the crucial Bodoland region and demonstrates effective coalition management. For the BPF, it provides access to state resources and a platform to deliver on its promises to constituents.
The alliance reflects the fluid nature of Indian regional politics, where pragmatism often trumps ideology. As Chief Minister Sarma noted, discussions about the 2026 election strategy will continue through November and December, with a comprehensive plan expected by year-end. The success of the BPF BJP alliance will ultimately be judged by its ability to translate political partnership into electoral victory and, more importantly, meaningful development for the people of Assam.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how this alliance navigates the complex terrain of Assam politics, manages internal contradictions, addresses opposition challenges, and presents a compelling vision to voters. The 2026 elections promise to be a crucial test not just for the BPF BJP alliance, but for the future direction of politics in India’s Northeast.
