Assam: Bargolai panchayat struggles with basic amenities as political neglect continues

Voters in Bargolai Gaon Panchayat, located under the 83rd Margherita Assembly Constituency in Assam's Tinsukia district, remain caught in a cycle of neglect and broken promises, with development far from reality despite a population of over 10,000.

 

Residents allege that successive governments — whether Congress, AGP, or the current BJP — have consistently failed to deliver on their promises. Amid rising discontent, many cite internal rifts within the local BJP leadership as another reason for stalled progress and administrative inaction.

 

Basic necessities remain unmet. The central government’s flagship housing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), has reportedly bypassed most families in the village. Many women also say they’ve been excluded from the benefits of the Arunodoi scheme, which aims to support economically vulnerable households.

 

Access to clean drinking water is another ongoing issue. Despite the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission across various parts of the state, Bargolai’s residents continue to buy water, as the multi-crore water supply project has yet to reach their village.

 

Infrastructure in the panchayat remains in a worrying state. Wards 2, 4, 6, and 9 are plagued by damaged roads, while poor drainage systems in Ward 9 frequently lead to waterlogging. The bridge connecting wards 6 and 8, built during the British era, is in urgent need of repair. While a nameplate has been installed at the site, locals claim there is no visible work despite an allocation of Rs 2,06,098 for its renovation.

 

Frustration is mounting over what many see as administrative indifference. The current president of Bargolai Gaon Panchayat faces criticism for alleged inaction throughout her five-year term, with residents pointing to a lack of visible development initiatives or transparency over fund utilisation.

 

As elections approach, the gap between political promises and ground reality continues to fuel distrust among Bargolai's voters, many of whom now question whether their concerns will ever be taken seriously.