TMC begins BTC poll campaign in Assam’s Baksa district, signaling the party’s early push to establish a presence in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has started local outreach, held public meetings, and formed grassroots committees to challenge the influence of regional forces in the 2025 Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections.
Party leaders say this early engagement in Baksa is only the beginning of a larger plan to contest the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council elections with full force.
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TMC Eyes Expansion Beyond Bengal
Senior TMC leaders from West Bengal, including state coordinator Rajib Banerjee, visited Baksa to oversee preparations. Speaking to local media, Banerjee said the Trinamool Congress is serious about expanding in Assam and sees the BTC elections as a key opportunity.
“Trinamool Congress begins groundwork for 2025 BTC elections to offer new leadership in the BTR. The region needs fresh development ideas, and TMC will work closely with the people,” he said.
TMC workers in Baksa have begun holding meetings in remote villages to listen to community issues, especially related to employment, education, and road infrastructure. The party also plans to organize training sessions for local youth and women leaders.
Regional Forces Watch Closely
The move by TMC has not gone unnoticed by established players in Bodoland politics, including the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF). Both parties have traditionally held sway in the BTC and are preparing for a high-stakes contest in 2025.
UPPL leaders dismissed TMC’s chances, saying that regional sentiments still dominate the BTC elections. However, BPF insiders admitted that TMC’s entry could change vote dynamics in certain pockets, especially among minority and tea tribe voters.
Political observers believe that if the Trinamool Congress begins groundwork for 2025 BTC elections in other districts like Kokrajhar and Udalguri as well, it could pose a triangular challenge in several constituencies.
Local Issues Dominate Early Discussions
TMC’s local outreach in Baksa has revealed a long list of grievances from the public. Villagers complained about poor healthcare facilities, lack of proper schools, bad roads, and unemployment. Trinamool organizers said their aim is to build a people-centric manifesto based on ground realities.
“We are not here to promise the moon. We are here to solve real problems,” said TMC district coordinator Anjali Deka. “People are ready for change. We’re seeing a good response to our early efforts.”
The party is also reaching out to former student leaders and civil society figures to bolster its credibility in the region.
TMC Banking on Mamata’s National Image
The Trinamool Congress hopes to leverage the national profile of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to connect with voters in Assam. Posters of Mamata are visible in parts of Baksa, and party members are distributing leaflets highlighting her government’s achievements in Bengal.
TMC is also expected to bring star campaigners from Bengal closer to the election period to draw crowds and media attention.
A party worker in Baksa said, “People here respect Mamata Didi for her fight against central authoritarianism. That goodwill can translate into votes if we maintain the momentum.”
Early Start May Yield Long-Term Gains
While the BTC elections are still months away, TMC’s early entry gives it time to understand the region’s unique demographics and political culture. Analysts say this head-start could be a strategic advantage.
Political commentator Sanjiv Basumatary said, “It’s rare for a party from outside the BTR to invest this early. If the Trinamool Congress begins groundwork for 2025 BTC elections in a sustained manner, it might at least split votes and build a base for future state elections.”
However, he cautioned that the party must avoid appearing as an outsider and must empower local leadership to gain trust.
As the Trinamool Congress begins groundwork for 2025 BTC elections in Assam’s Baksa district, it signals the party’s serious intent to expand into Northeast politics. Whether it can dislodge entrenched regional forces or not, its early mobilization and grassroots strategy have already made it a player to watch in the upcoming contest.
If the momentum continues and the party maintains its connection with local issues, it may emerge as a significant challenger in the BTR political landscape.
