With an eye on the 2025 Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has kickstarted its political groundwork in Baksa district, aiming to expand its foothold in the Bodoland region. The party held a key strategy meeting attended by grassroots workers, tribal leaders, and state-level coordinators to discuss campaign plans and alliances.
The TMC’s move signals a serious push to contest the BTC elections, traditionally dominated by local parties like the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL).
Strategy Meeting Signals Political Intent
Held at Salbari town in Baksa, the TMC meeting was led by Assam state president Ripun Bora and senior TMC observer Sushmita Dev. Also, over 150 local workers, village heads, and community influencers were in attendance.
“We want to give the people of Bodoland a strong, alternative voice,” said Bora. “We are focused on tribal rights, education, and peace.”
The meeting emphasized door-to-door outreach, youth engagement, and social media campaigns to connect with first-time voters.
Key Focus: Tribal and Marginalized Communities
TMC leaders stressed the need to address tribal grievances that have grown in the BTC areas. Complaints over land rights, underdevelopment, and lack of representation remain unresolved under the current council, they claimed.
“We will highlight how existing BTC leaders have failed the people,” said Sushmita Dev. “We will campaign on promises of land regularization, better roads, and youth employment.”
The party plans to form a Tribal Affairs Committee to draft a manifesto specifically for the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
Challenges Ahead for TMC
While TMC has made waves in Bengal and recently in other northeastern states like Tripura and Meghalaya, Assam remains a tough terrain. The BTC area has seen politics dominated by ethnic-based parties and the BJP-allied UPPL.
However, TMC leaders claim that the increasing dissatisfaction among rural and tribal populations is their opening. They are also exploring alliances with local organizations, including student bodies and farmers’ unions.
Party insiders revealed that initial groundwork will focus on Baksa and Chirang, where the TMC feels it has a growing support base.
Internal Restructuring and Membership Drive
The TMC’s Assam unit will soon launch a membership campaign in BTC districts, targeting youth and women. District-level committees are also being formed to ensure regular coordination and feedback.
“We want to listen before we promise,” said Baksa district convenor Rajib Brahma. “The next six months will be spent listening to every village.”
Workshops on digital campaigning and polling booth management are also being planned. Moreover, other party aims to deploy trained booth workers in at least 70% of the constituencies.
BTC Election Timeline and Political Stakes
The BTC elections are likely to be held in late 2025, and this is the first time TMC is directly contesting in the region. With 40 seats at stake and growing discontent with the current council’s governance, TMC sees an opportunity to disrupt the status quo.
For the ruling BJP-UPPL alliance, the entry of TMC adds a new political challenger, especially among minority and tribal voters.
Related Developments
Final Take On
With its Baksa move, the TMC BTC elections Baksa campaign is officially underway. Whether it can break the dominance of regional parties remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the political battle for Bodoland has begun. Stay informed and participate in shaping the region’s democratic future.