First Phase Of Bodoland Council Polls In Assam Today

In Assam, the first of the two phases of elections to the Bodoland Territorial Council is being held today. With the state elections just six months away, the Bodoland polls are crucial for the BJP just like the Hyderabad and Kashmir local polls. The BJP is taking on its own ally -- the BPF -- as the Congress tests its alliance with Badaruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF. Massive recoveries of arms and ammunition have taken place from Bodoland ahead of the polls, resulting in stepped up security. This is the first election in the Bodoland Territorial Region or the BTR that has come a long way from its violent battle for statehood, resolved in January this year with a comprehensive peace accord with the militant group NDFB. The elections will be held to 21 seats today and remaining 19 seats on December 10.