Chirang: United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) candidate Ranjit Basumatary aka BR Ferenga has defeated incumbent Bodoland People's Front (BPF) candidate and former Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) deputy chief Kampa Borgoyary in Chirang Duars constituency of Assam's Chirang district in the BTC elections, the results of which are being declared on Saturday.
Speaking to the media after the results were declared, Ferenga said that people have
understood how the BPF was ruling with corruption and how they were being deprived of all the facilities and their rights. "I am thankful to the people who voted for me and I am
willing to sacrifice my five years for them," he added.
Ferenga was one of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) leaders who surrendered earlier this year.
The UPPL candidate also claimed that his opponents
tried to influence the people by distributing money and liquor. However, the
people understood that to decide elections, money is not the main factor.
They would not be cowed down ever again, he added.
Ferenga then said that it was easier to transform
society through ballots instead of bullets. "After spending eight years as an
insurgent in the jungles, I have realised that it is easier to work for the
common good through ballots instead of adopting violent measures," he said.
The election assumes significance as it is the first
election after signing the Bodo Peace Accord and the formation of BodolandTerritorial Region (BTR) in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) earlier
this year.
The much-awaited BTC polls were held for a total of 40 seats in two phases. The first phase for
21 seats was held on December 7 in Baksa and Udalguri districts and the
second phase of polling for 19 constituencies in Chirang and Kokrajhar
districts took place on December 10. The second phase polls witnessed 78.8%
voters' turnout which was marginally higher than the first phase figure of 77%.
The counting for votes began at 8 am on Saturday.
Also Read: Assam BTC polls result day, live vote counting update - UPPL is leading in 16, BJP in 11 seats
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