Chatra villagers threaten poll boycott

Chatra: Residents of Rimi village in Lawalong block have threatened to boycott assembly polls scheduled here on November 13 over lack of basic amenities such as proper roads and electricity.

Rimi village is approximately 25 km from the Lawalong block headquarters and part of the Chatra constituency. Despite being surrounded by forests and hills, and having a population of only a few hundred, residents still rely on traditional methods for lighting such as dhibri and lanterns. The village's secluded location and its status as a Naxal-affected area have compounded its developmental challenges.

Villager Vipin Kumar expressed his frustration, contrasting India's celebration of the Amrit Mahotsav with the villagers' primitive living conditions. He said remote paths created by residents through fields are their only means for commuting. Kumar also lamented the frequent loss of lives due to patients being unable to reach hospitals due to lack of roads.

"On one hand the country is celebrating Amrit Mahotsav, and on the other hand, the residents here are forced to live like primitive people," said Kumar. "Even today the people of this village use paths made by them through fields for commuting.”

Frustrated with unfulfilled promises from political figures, the villagers have decided to boycott the poll entirely. Villager Aftab Alam said that their votes have consistently been used without any corresponding improvements in their living conditions. "We were always used as a vote bank. We will now not allow anyone to use and throw us," said Alam.

Ramjatan Yadav, another villager, questioned the sudden interest from political parties during election seasons, especially given their neglect over the past five years. He sees no point in voting under the current circumstances. "When none of the parties cared for us in the last five years, why are they coming to us for votes? If we have to live like this, it's better not to vote this time," he said.

This situation is reminiscent of the Lok Sabha elections when neighbouring Madwa village also boycotted the vote. At that time, officials from both block and district administrations had to intervene, promising rapid development before the villagers agreed to participate in the polling process.

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