Rajganj, 03rd April: The residents of Paschim Balabari of Sannyasikata Gram Panchayat in Rajganj called for a boycott of the assembly elections as no paved roads have been constructed yet despite several assurances.
The agitated residents, on Saturday, protested by putting up posters stating to boycott the polls. They stated that the 1.5 km unpaved road from Lalskul Balabari in Sannyasikata to Paschim Balabari has been lying in a dilapidated condition for the past 40 years. Sub-health centres, ICDS centres, and primary schools are situated on the said road. Besides, people from 6-7 villages commute daily through the route. Despite repeated assurances by the gram panchayat authorities, no steps have been taken so far. Hence, they decided to boycott the polls.
On the other hand, local CPIM panchayat member Saukat Ali said that the demands of the residents are justified as they are facing immense trouble due to the dilapidated roads. As per administrative sources, the tender was issued six months ago to pave the road. Despite this, no work has commenced.
Roshan Habib, a member of the area’s Panchayat Samiti, said that a tender has been issued to pave the road. However, construction work could not be started due to the announcement of the assembly elections. He assured that a paved road will be constructed after the elections.
“Residents have warned to boycott the polls with the help of the opposition parties. I will talk to the locals about the issue,” Habib stated.