Guwahati: After two Congress legislators Rupjyoti Kurmi and Sushanta Borgohain switched sides and joined BJP, it is certain that the state is gearing for by-polls within this year. Kurmi and Borgohain resigned as MLA from Mariani and Thowra assembly constituency, respectively.
Amid the likely possibility of having a by-poll in the state in less than four months, Udalguri in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) is also coming into the picture of having a by-poll.
Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Deputy Chief Gobinda Basumatari is also an MLA from the Udalguri constituency. At present, he is enjoying a dual portfolio — BTC Deputy Chief and Udalguri MLA.
Basumatari, former president of now-disbanded National Democratic Front of Bodoland- Progressive (NDFB-P), joined active politics in February 2020 after the signing of the third Bodo peace accord.
He defeated four-time MLA and former minister Rihon Daimari of the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) by a margin of 4,851 votes in the 2021 Assam assembly elections.
A political expert of Bodoland who didn’t wish to be named said, “Despite Rihon Daimari’s defeat from Udalguri, he still enjoys a massive fanfare in not just Udalguri but entire BTR. It is highly unlikely that he will not be just a former MLA.”
“He will certainly look to fight elections in the by-poll,” he added.
Earlier, there have been some speculations that Daimari will switch sides and join hands with Pramod Boro-led United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). However, we couldn’t confirm that rumour but have learnt that the possibility couldn’t be neglected either.
The Indian Constitution allows a person to take up only one constitutional position at a time.
“As per the Constitution, Gobinda Basumatari has to take one of the two. But, he can decide in six months. It is up to him now what he is going to be,” the expert said.
It is still uncertain what Basumatari will choose. But his prospect as a Deputy Chief of BTC is heavier than an MLA.
However, if he continues to be the Deputy Chief, the chances of Udalguri going for polls cannot be ruled out. But if he chooses to be MLA, then there will be a by-poll in the Bhairabkunda Constituency of the BTC.
There will be a by-poll but it will either be in the Udalguri assembly constituency or BTC. Now, all eyes on Gobinda Basumatari and what he chooses.
We contacted Basumatari but he was unavailable for a comment.