With the term of the current Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) ending on April 26 and elections deferred due to Novel Coronavirus pandemic, the Congress on April 10 urged for governor’s rule in the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD).
In a letter to Governor Jagdish Mukhi, Assam Congress president Ripun Bora pointed that though BTAD polls were slated for April 4 and 8, it had to be postponed due to outbreak of Novel Coronavirus in the country and state, and “there is no possibility of holding the election before April 26”.
“Under the above backdrop I urge upon you to take over the administration of BTC on April 26, on expiry of its 5-year term,” Bora wrote.
He further maintained that there is no scope for extension of the term of the current BTC administration since elections were already declared. He wrote, “….the legal experts opine that the power to extend the term of Council can be used at a stage before declaration of election. Once election is declared this power cannot be exercised.”
“Therefore, I on behalf of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee urge upon you to take over the BTC in exercise of your powers and keep the sanctity of the Constitution,” Bora added.