The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Sunday, August 31, announced its final list of nine candidates for the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections. With this announcement, the party has now fielded candidates in all 40 constituencies of the BTC region.
The elections are scheduled for September 22, and counting of votes will take place on September 26. The declaration of the final list is a significant step in the party’s strategy to regain influence in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Which has been a politically sensitive area in Assam.
Congress Aims for Strong Performance in BTR
The BTC elections are being closely watched as they are expected to shape the political landscape of the Bodoland Territorial Region. The Congress party has been working on ground-level campaigning for months. Highlighting issues of infrastructure, education, employment, and ethnic harmony in the region.
According to party sources, the decision to contest all 40 seats reflects a renewed push to reclaim the trust of voters in an area that has seen multi-party competition between the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A senior APCC leader said that the final selection of candidates focused on local leaders with a strong presence in their respective constituencies. The emphasis has been on community representation and addressing grassroots issues.
BTC Polls Scheduled for September 22
The Election Commission of Assam had earlier announced that polling for the BTC elections will be held on September 22. The results will be declared on September 26.
The Bodoland Territorial Council has 40 elected members who govern the BTR. Covering four districts, Kokrajhar, Baksa, Udalguri, and Chirang. These elections are critical because the BTR region plays a key role in Assam’s political balance. Especially ahead of the state assembly polls scheduled for next year.
The Congress party’s decision to announce the full list of candidates early is seen as an attempt to give sufficient time for grassroots campaigning. Local leaders and workers are expected to focus on door-to-door outreach in the run-up to the elections.
Significance of BTC Elections
The Bodoland Territorial Region has historically been a politically volatile area. It was created after the signing of the Bodo Accord, which aimed to bring peace and autonomy to the Bodo people. Political parties have since competed to represent the aspirations of different communities living in the region.
In recent years, the BTC has been led by alliances that included the UPPL and BJP, while the Congress has been attempting to re-establish its base. The party leadership has emphasized that this election is not only about power but about delivering stability, economic opportunities, and social harmony.
Observers believe that the BTC elections could also provide a glimpse of the political climate in Assam ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections.
Strong Campaign Strategy
The Congress has already begun an extensive campaign across the four BTC districts. Party leaders have been organizing rallies, roadshows, and community meetings. They have promised to address unemployment, improve road and transport networks. And strengthen educational institutions in the region.
The party’s manifesto, which is expected to be released soon, will focus on inclusive development, empowerment of women, and agricultural growth.
Local Congress leaders have also been engaging with civil society groups and student organizations to expand their support base. Although, senior leaders from the Assam Congress are expected to visit BTR districts in the coming weeks to boost morale among candidates and workers.
Broader Political Context
The BTC polls have always been a barometer of political trends in Assam. In the last elections, regional parties dominated the council, pushing Congress into a weaker position. However, this time, Congress has fielded a mix of young leaders. Experienced politicians, and community representatives to strengthen its chances.
With the BJP-ruled government facing criticism over certain policy decisions. Further, Congress leaders see an opportunity to reconnect with the voters. The party’s decision to finalize its candidate list well ahead of schedule signals a calculated approach to challenge its rivals.
Political analysts suggest that the outcome of the BTC elections could influence alliances. And strategies for upcoming state and national polls.
The Assam Congress has made a decisive move by releasing its complete list of candidates for all 40 BTC constituencies. With polling scheduled for September 22, the party is intensifying its outreach to regain political relevance in the Bodoland Territorial Region.
Voters in BTR will play a pivotal role in shaping Assam’s political direction. Also, the election campaign heats up. All eyes will be on whether the Congress can make a strong comeback in this politically significant region.