The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) has begun an internal review of its alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), raising questions about the future of the coalition in Assam’s political landscape. Party president Pramod Boro confirmed that the core committee is currently holding discussions to decide whether the partnership will continue.
The deliberations mark a crucial political moment for the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), where UPPL plays a key role in governance and has been a major partner of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since the 2020 Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections.
Core Committee Meeting in Progress
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Boro stated that the UPPL core committee meeting is underway to evaluate the alliance’s impact on regional development, governance, and the party’s future direction. He emphasized that the discussions are comprehensive and will take into account both the political and developmental aspects of the collaboration with the BJP-led NDA.
The meeting, being held at the party headquarters in Kokrajhar, is expected to conclude with a resolution that could define the UPPL’s strategy for upcoming elections. “We are reviewing our position and responsibilities within the NDA framework,” Boro said, adding that a final decision will be made public after internal consultations are completed.
This statement comes amid growing speculation that the regional party may be rethinking its alliance due to certain disagreements with state-level policies and representation issues within the coalition.
Signs of Strain in the Alliance
The UPPL–BJP alliance has been largely stable since its formation, leading to a strong government in the BTR. However, recent developments indicate some strain. Reports suggest that the UPPL leadership has raised concerns about administrative coordination, political recognition, and resource allocation to the Bodoland Territorial Region.
Boro’s remarks reflect the party’s growing assertiveness in ensuring that BTR’s aspirations are adequately represented in the broader governance framework of Assam. Insiders indicate that the UPPL has been seeking greater autonomy in implementing regional policies and developmental projects, especially in the sectors of education, employment, and infrastructure.
While there has been no direct confrontation between the two allies, the ongoing review hints that the partnership is at a crossroads.
UPPL’s Political Importance in Assam
The United People’s Party Liberal emerged as a key player in Assam’s regional politics following the 2020 BTC elections, where it joined hands with the BJP to form the ruling council. The alliance marked a new political chapter in the BTR after the end of the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) era.
Under Pramod Boro’s leadership, UPPL has worked toward promoting peace, education, and economic empowerment in the region. The party has also been instrumental in maintaining political stability after decades of ethnic conflict and insurgency.
However, as Assam heads toward the next assembly elections, the UPPL appears to be recalibrating its strategy to strengthen its independent identity and address regional expectations more directly.
Possible Scenarios Ahead
If the UPPL decides to exit the NDA alliance, it could significantly alter Assam’s political balance, particularly in the BTR. The move might open new alignments with opposition forces, including the Indian National Congress or smaller regional parties, which have been seeking to expand their influence in the region.
Alternatively, the party might choose to continue within the NDA but with revised terms that give it more decision-making power. Political observers believe that the UPPL’s review is a strategic move to assert leverage before upcoming local and state elections.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who maintains close ties with the UPPL leadership, has not yet commented on the ongoing review. Sources within the state BJP, however, suggest that the party remains open to dialogue and hopes to retain the alliance.
Regional Reactions and Political Implications
The news of the review has stirred political discussions across Assam. Supporters of the UPPL believe that the move is necessary to ensure that the interests of the Bodo community and other indigenous groups are prioritized. Opposition parties have also closely followed the developments, viewing them as an opportunity to form potential coalitions in the near future.
The UPPL’s decision on the NDA alliance will also influence governance in the Bodoland Territorial Council, where cooperation between regional and state-level parties remains essential for implementing developmental schemes.
With increasing focus on grassroots empowerment, the outcome of the review could redefine how regional politics functions within the framework of Assam’s larger political alliances.
What Lies Ahead for the NDA in Assam
The NDA in Assam currently includes the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and UPPL. Any change in this coalition could impact the BJP’s rural and ethnic outreach, especially in the BTR, where UPPL holds considerable influence.
Political analysts suggest that this moment is not just about alliance politics but about the assertion of regional identity within a national framework. The UPPL’s next step will reveal whether the partnership with the NDA continues as before or evolves into a new political arrangement.
As Assam watches closely, all eyes remain on Pramod Boro and the UPPL core committee. Their decision in the coming days could reshape political equations ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.