Assam: BPF’s Hagrama Mohilary takes oath as chief of BTC
Guwahati: Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) president Hagrama Mohilary took oath as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) on Sunday, following his party’s sweeping victory in the recently concluded council elections.
Speaking moments after being sworn in, Mohilary made an emotional pledge to the people of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). “We will fulfill every promise we made to the people. We will extend every possible help to our citizens. We will work tirelessly to solve their problems through hard work and unity. I seek the full cooperation of the Assam Government and our cabinet ministers to make this happen. I thank the people of the BTR wholeheartedly for their overwhelming support and trust.”
He also wrote on his X account, “We will deliver what we promised during the campaign. Let’s Make Bodoland Great Again.”
The oath-taking ceremony took place amid heavy rain at the Bodoland Secretariat Field in Kokrajhar, marking BPF’s return to power after five years. Former minister Rihon Daimary also took oath as the Deputy Chief Executive Member (Dy. CEM).
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated the new council leadership on X, writing, “I congratulate Shri Hagrama Mohilary and his team of Executive Members on assuming charge of the Bodoland Territorial Council. I am confident they will serve the people with dedication and fulfill Bodofa Upendranath Brahma’s dream of a prosperous and shining Bodoland. The Assam Government will extend full cooperation to the new BTC government in fulfilling the aspirations of the people.”
The ceremony attracted Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya, several Assam cabinet ministers, and Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, reflecting the event’s significance in Northeast India’s political landscape.
The BPF made a strong comeback by winning 28 out of 40 seats in the BTC, reclaiming power from the UPPL-BJP alliance that had governed the council since the last election. The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) secured seven seats, the BJP won five, and the Congress failed to win any seats.
After the Assam State Election Commission declared the results, Hagrama Mohilary led a delegation to Raj Bhavan to formally stake a claim to form the new council government.
The Bodoland Territorial Council, established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, functions as the administrative and political body for the Bodoland Territorial Region, covering the districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri.
This year’s BTC election proved highly competitive, with 316 candidates contesting across five districts—Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur. Out of the 40 council seats, 30 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs), five for non-STs, and five remain unreserved. Over 2.6 million voters cast ballots at 3,279 polling stations.
After reclaiming the BTC’s top post, Mohilary reiterated his government’s focus on peace, development, and inclusivity. He assured that his administration would prioritize youth employment, land rights, infrastructure, and community welfare.
Deputy CEM Rihon Daimary added that the council would work “to bridge gaps between communities and bring visible change at the grassroots level.”
The BPF’s victory signals a significant political shift in the Bodoland region, reflecting public dissatisfaction with the previous UPPL-BJP administration over land, employment, and governance issues.
Having served multiple terms as BTC chief since 2003, Mohilary now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust among diverse communities while steering the region toward stability and prosperity.
As supporters cheered despite the rain, Mohilary’s return to the BTC helm symbolized not only a political resurgence but also renewed hope for unity, progress, and self-governance in Bodoland.
The BTC election took place on September 22, and the results were declared on September 27.