Guwahati: The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) has formally announced its decision to withdraw from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), citing fundamental ideological differences with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Addressing reporters in Kokrajhar, UPPL vice president R.N. Sinha confirmed the party’s exit from the alliance, stating that long-standing ideological divergences with the BJP had compelled the leadership to chart an independent political path. The announcement followed the release of the party’s first phase of candidates, signaling its intention to contest the upcoming elections on its own strength.
Sinha said the UPPL will field candidates in all 15 Assembly constituencies within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Expressing confidence about the party’s electoral prospects, he said the UPPL expects to secure victory in at least 11 seats in the region and is also aiming to win three additional constituencies outside the BTR.
On March 16, the UPPL released its first list of candidates for seven constituencies for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections scheduled to be held on April 9 under the supervision of the Election Commission of India. The announcement came after the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, with political parties stepping up campaign activities across the state.
According to an official notification, party president Pramod Boro approved the nominations based on recommendations from the party’s Central Working Committee and Core Committee. Boro, who earlier served as the Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Region, will contest from the 43 No. Tamulpur (ST) constituency.
The first list of candidates includes Aninda Basumatary from 1 No. Gossaigaon, Raju Kumar Narzary from 2 No. Dotma (ST), and Lawrence Islary from 3 No. Kokrajhar (ST). Nerswn Boro has been nominated from 45 No. Bhergaon, Dipen Boro from 46 No. Udalguri (ST), and Kamalsingh Narzary from 20 No. Bijni.
The list was formally issued by UPPL general secretary (administration) Raju Kumar Narzary for wider public dissemination.
Political observers believe the UPPL’s decision to exit the NDA and contest independently could significantly alter the electoral equations in Assam, particularly in the BTR, where regional aspirations and identity politics remain central to voter sentiment. With alliances shifting and parties recalibrating their strategies, the upcoming Assembly elections are expected to witness keen contests across several constituencies.