Assam: 94-year-old grandma leads village protest in Dhubri: ‘NO ROAD NO VOTE’

In a small village nestled within Bahalpur, in Dhubri district, a 94-year-old grandmother emerged as the unexpected leader of a protest, advocating for a basic necessity of a road. 

Tatpara village, under the Chapar-Salkosa development block, found its residents taking to the streets with a resounding chant of "NO ROAD NO VOTE."

“Today we have come out to protest with the slogan of NO ROAD NO VOTE. 
We have seen from Independence till today this road has remained the same. We are hopeful that our road will get better till the upcoming LS elections, says a localer.

For years, the villagers have grappled with the absence of a well-constructed road, vital for their daily commute and access to essential services, especially during the unforgiving monsoon seasons. Despite numerous appeals to local authorities and representatives, including the president of the village panchayat and regional panchayat member, their pleas fell on deaf ears, leaving them disillusioned and neglected.

The grandma spoke to the media saying, “I am 94 and I have come out to protest for the condition of the road we have. We need the road. MLAs come and go, they promise us they will make our road but they don't”.

Frustration peaked as the imminent elections loomed closer, prompting the villagers, led by the spirited elderly woman, to stage a public demonstration. Armed with banners and voices raised in unison, they demanded the construction of a durable road, either paved with pucca or concrete blocks, to alleviate their plight.

The absence of proper infrastructure not only hampers daily life but also poses a significant risk during emergencies, leaving the community vulnerable and isolated. With no sign of progress or acknowledgment from the authorities, the villagers took a drastic stand, threatening to boycott the upcoming elections if their plea for a road remained unanswered.