Kokrajhar: Ensuring lasting peace will be a top priority for voters in Assam’s Kokrajhar, a once militancy-affected region, when they elect members of parliament on Tuesday.
The main election battle is between Jayanta Basumatary of the United People’s Party Freedom Party (UPPL) and Kampa Borgoyari of the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) in this constituency in the heart of Bodoland Territory (BTR). It is expected that
Garjan Mushahari of Congress, Arun Kumar Sarania of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Vinita Deka of Gana Suraksha Party (GSP) are also contesting in Kokrajhar Lok Sabha constituency.
The UPPL is leading the Bodoland District Council (BTC) administration in alliance with the BJP, and both parties are also part of the coalition government in the state.
The BPF is the main opposition party and ruled the BTR for 17 years since its formation in 2003 until it was ousted from power by the current government in 2020.
Incumbent MP Naba Kumar Saraniya has withdrawn from the race after his Scheduled Tribe (ST) status was revoked, but his GSP continues to fight through Deka in this constituency reserved for the ST community.
BTC Director-General Pramod Boro said the UPPL hopes to have a major advantage in fighting the anti-government regime, “successfully securing lasting peace.”
“There has been no violence in the BTR since we took over. We have also ensured development and all-round growth for our people. “We are ready to send candidates to parliament,” he asserted. .
The support of the BJP could be a deciding factor for UPPL and cross the finish line first.
However, BPF MLA Rabiram Narzary disagreed, saying, “It is BPF that worked to bring peace to BTR and unite the community. The people are fed up with the last four years of UPPL.” Stated.
While the Congress, which has been unable to regain its foothold in the constituency over the years, also claims to once again earn the trust of voters, the TMC and GSP each say they are emerging as an option for different sections of people. insisted.
Parties may be piecing together the political equation, but for ordinary voters, widespread peace has emerged as a key factor.
“Bombings, shootings, kidnappings and bandits were the order of the day. From communal and ethnic clashes to counter-insurgency operations, we have seen it all. We have seen continued peace. has been around for the past few years,” Arjit said. “Das (his name changed upon request),” said a local entrepreneur.
Having had to sell his first car to the bank due to unpaid installments due to poor business conditions at the beginning of this century, Das now owns two cars and runs several more at his travel agency. doing.
Newton Nursery, who runs a hotel near Raimona National Park and is also a tourist gypsy driver, agrees with Das.
“Before, no matter what community you belonged to, it was just anxiety and fear. We locals, not to mention tourists, were afraid to travel alone after dark. But now, So we have a booming business,” he said.
Most believe that the restoration of peace was made possible by the central and state governments’ 2020 agreements with various Bodo groups, including the NDFB, and the surrender of almost all major militant groups operating in the BTR. claims.
While people are grateful for the restoration of peace, issues of “unequal development” and “more rights” for Bodo communities are also likely to influence the minds of non-Bodo voters.
In a constituency of about 1.5 million voters, Bodos account for about 500,000 voters, with the rest being non-Bodo communities including various ST groups, religious minorities, and general categories of people.
“Nava Sarania was winning by using ‘non-Bodo cards’ but he did nothing for 10 years. We will never fall for such a ruse again, but an equal voice to all of us. We will definitely look for someone to do it,” said Pramod Sharma, a former government employee from Basgaon.
An optimistic Mr. Prasenjit, who works in a private company, added, “The first step towards development has been taken with sustained peace. We now hope that whoever wins will move forward.” He summed up his desire for peace and development. .
issued May 6, 2024, 11:17 am IST
