The Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) announced October 5 as the swearing-in date for the upcoming BTC government , led by Hagrama Mohilary . Shortly after, the BTC Ulema Council demanded four key positions for the Muslim community in the new executive council. The Ulema Council demanded three elected executive members (EMs) and one nominated member for Muslim community leaders.
The Ulema Council made this demand at a press conference held at the Kokrajhar Press Club on Monday. On the occasion, BTC Ulema Council President Mohammad Karamat Ali and General Secretary Hafiz Zehirul Islam congratulated the BPF and its leader Hagrama Mohilary on their recent electoral victory. They appealed to the new leadership to recognize the contributions and representation of the Muslim minority community by awarding the positions of three EMs and one nominated member to Muslim leaders.
The growing political power of the Muslim community in the BPF
After a five-year hiatus, the BPF, led by Hagrama Mohilary, returned to power in the BTC elections, securing a landslide victory with 28 seats . In this context, the Ulema Council states that the Muslim community’s influence in BTC politics is steadily increasing. For the first time in the BTC’s history, four Muslim candidates from a single party have been elected. Political analysts believe this signals the growing political power of the minority Muslim community, and that they could play a decisive role in shaping the region’s political future.
The Ulema Council told the media that the contributions of elected Muslim leaders under the BPF should not be overlooked. It stressed that ensuring community representation is crucial to democratic values and regional stability.
Reference to past political circumstances
It is noteworthy that the Imam Councils of Kokrajhar and Chirang districts and the BTC Imam Council had previously supported the UPPL candidates. Both councils expressed their support for the UPPL through press conferences organized by the head of a college in Kokrajhar city. However, this support did not receive the expected response from the Muslim community. This situation indicates that the community’s political priorities are now changing and the participation of Muslim leaders in the BPF could provide a new direction.
Analysts say that adequate representation of the Muslim community in the BPF government will not only boost the community’s political confidence but also improve the social and political balance of the BTC. This will ensure that the minority community’s voice is effectively heard.
Future politics and strategy
Experts believe that the inclusion of Muslim leaders under the leadership of the BPF will create new dynamics in the BTC’s politics. This community can now become an active participant in the decision-making process. The Ulema Council states that the Muslim community’s proper representation in the new Executive Council is not only a matter of respect but also essential for the region’s stability and social harmony.
Political observers also believe that the collaborative role of the BPF and Muslim leaders will significantly influence electoral strategies and administrative decisions in the BTC in the future. Thus, the community’s increased participation could change the course of regional politics.
