Assam villagers build their own road as elected MLA stays away

Road construction has begun in Gandai Par village of Sribhumi district in Assam without government support, after residents say their elected representative from South Sribhumi has remained absent despite repeated appeals.

 

Gandai Par lies on the plains and serves as a link between several neighbouring villages. The lack of a proper road has long disrupted movement, access to services and daily livelihoods. Locals say they approached the MLA multiple times, seeking a visit and basic intervention. No visit followed.

 

According to villagers, the MLA dismissed their requests, allegedly remarking that if they had voted for the BJP, there was no reason for him to come and take up development work. The comment, residents say, underscored their sense of political abandonment.

 

With elections approaching and no response from their representative, villagers decided to act. Households pooled money and began constructing the road themselves. The effort has drawn attention locally as a rare form of protest—one that replaces slogans with shovels and shared labour.

 

The current MLA was elected in the last Assembly polls, but residents say his absence has been consistent. “We cannot wait anymore,” a villager said, pointing to the roadwork underway. “This road connects many villages. Without it, we remain cut off.”

 

The episode has sharpened questions about representation and accountability in parts of rural Assam. For now, the road is being built by those who need it most. At the ballot box, villagers say, they will deliver their verdict on leadership that failed to show up.