The position of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) in Assam politics is now shrouded in uncertainty. This situation arose when a Bodoland People’s Party (BPF) MLA was included in the cabinet of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma. This raised questions about the UPPL’s stable role and participation in the NDA. Senior party leaders say that in the current circumstances, the UPPL will have to consider new strategies for its political future.
UPPL’s Role in the NDA
State Minister UG Brahma stated that the UPPL will remain in the NDA until the 2026 assembly elections. He said that before the 2021 assembly elections, the BJP and the UPPL had signed a five-year cooperation agreement. Under this agreement, the UPPL will remain in the NDA and will adhere to the alliance’s policies until the next election. All NDA allies will meet by the end of the year to decide on the UPPL’s role and future.
UPPL’s response to the inclusion of the BPF MLA
UG Brahma clarified that the decision to include the BPF MLA in the cabinet was the BJP’s and the UPPL had no involvement. He explained that before the BTC elections, ABSU and other organizations had recommended that the BPF and UPPL join forces. Although the UPPL was willing to cooperate, the BPF did not respond positively. Brahma stated that a long-term alliance with the BPF would be difficult under the current circumstances.
UPPL’s upcoming strategies
Regarding the UPPL’s performance in the BTC elections, Brahma stated that the party’s vote share did not decrease, but that minority communities voted for the BPF due to its close ties to the BJP. He also clarified that there was no electoral alliance between the BJP and the UPPL before the BTC elections, only a post-election alliance. The UPPL is now preparing independently for the 2026 assembly elections and may decide to contest some seats alone if necessary. The party also indicated that it plans to contest some seats outside the BTC region.
