GUWAHATI: Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) chief Hagrama Mohilary on Tuesday asserted that he “is unofficially still the chief of Bodoland Territorial Council”, saying that he would move court against the decision to impose Governor’s rule in the council.
It may be mentioned that Governor’s rule was imposed in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts following a notification on Monday evening, in the wake of the State Election Commission unable to hold polls to the council owing to the ensuing lockdown.
The term of the Mohilary-led council ended on April 27, 2020.
“Along with the alliance partners (in the state governmnet), we had appealed to the Governor for six months’ extension of the council’s tenure but the plea was not considered. However, I am still the BTC chief albeit unofficially. We will file a PIL in the court for our Constitutional rights,” Mohilary told the media on Tuesday.
Asked about when the elections would be held, he said that the polls could be held in October even as the election panel would soon issue a notification.
He further claimed that the BPF would form the council again. “Our members should not be concerned and each one of them should hoist flags of the party in their houses,” Mohilary said.
The notification had said that the decision to impose Governor’s rule in BTAD has been taken as “a situation has arisen in which the administration of the BTAD cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India”, said a government notification.
“This order shall take immediate effect and shall unless terminated earlier or extended further, remains in force for a period of six months,” said the notification.
Rajesh Prasad, principal secretary to the animal husbandry & veterinary department, has been appointed as the BTC administrator.
Parties, groups hail decision
Meanwhile, various parties and organizations, including the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), Gana Suraksha Party (GSP), Congress and All Bodo Students Union(ABSU) have welcomed the imposition of Governor’s rule in BTAD with effect from the midnight of April 27.
Hailing the move, UPPL president and former All Bodo Students Union president Pramod Boro said that parties and people had wanted Governor’s rule in BTAD with the hope that good governance would prevail in the council.
Kokrajhar MP and GSP president, Naba Kumar Sarania also welcomed the move and urged upon the state government and election commission to conduct the council elections as and when the COVID-19 situation is controlled in the state.