Uncertainty looms over the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls slated for April 4, in view of the coronavirus threat.

However, the state election commission (SEC) has set the poll process in motion.

The virus outbreak has forced the Assam government to restrict gatherings and order closure of all educational institutions, gyms, cinema halls and swimming pools till March 29 as a precautionary measure.

It’s believed that if not rescheduled, the virus panic and fear to participate in gatherings would put a dent on the political parties’ plans to host huge poll campaigns and rallies in the run-up to the polls.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal decided not to participate in any public function till March 31 as a preventive measure.

Assam Congress general secretary and senior spokesperson Durga Das Boro said, “Are the people of the BTC immune to coronavirus? Why did the election authority and the state government decide to hold the polls in such a crisis? I have raised the issue with the state election authority.”

Furious over the decision to hold the polls without taking the political parties into confidence, the Congressman recently walked out of a meeting with the state election authority. The Congress declared 12 candidates for the polls on Sunday. United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) president Pramod Boro who has recently filed his nomination papers, said, “The state election commission and the government should first ascertain whether it is safe for the polls to be held. If there is a virus threat in the region, the government must look into it.”

On Monday, BTC chief and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) president Hagrama Mohilary, too, filed his nomination. He took out a massive public rally before filing his nomination papers.

Finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Since the election is a constitutional matter, the state can’t interfere.” Encouraging the contesting candidates and their supporters to bring in innovative ways to campaign, the minister said the poll candidates should press for ideas and tools of communication where health hazards can be minimised.

“No one can stop gatherings. There is gathering in hospitals and even inside Parliament. So the best way to deal with the situation is to keep yourself aware of the situation and maintain hygiene,” Sarma added.

However, the chief minister’s decision not to participate in any gathering has discouraged many party workers of the BJP. “Since the BJP is trying to maximise its chances in forming the council, the chief minister’s poll campaign would have played a major role in the polls. But since it’s not happening, party workers are trying to reach out to more and more people via all avenues,” a BJP source said.

The elections will be held on April 4, from 8am to 4pm. The results will be announced on April 8. Wednesday is the deadline to file nominations, the last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 21. The term of the existing BTC general council expires on April 27.