Darjeeling, April 14: As the assembly elections approach in West Bengal, political parties are actively campaigning across the region. Leaders are visiting villages, assuring voters that all promises will be fulfilled upon their victory. However, residents of Haatighisa, a small village near Naxalbari in the Darjeeling district, express a different sentiment. They demand a government that addresses their basic needs, including employment, quality education, healthcare, and access to clean drinking water. They seek a government that can effectively tackle daily challenges in their lives.
In conversations with some villagers, it became clear that fundamental issues persist. There was a severe shortage of drinking water in the past, forcing people to fetch water from rivers. Although some water facilities have been established now, many problems remain unresolved. Previously, there were no roads; while the paths have improved, the lack of overall development is evident in the village.
Residents reported that no significant projects have been implemented in their area. There are also inadequate safety measures for women. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has not visited this region.
One local resident stated, “We earn our daily bread. We need housing, but we can’t find homes. There is a primary school, but only Asha workers provide healthcare services. We want a government that offers facilities and alleviates our suffering. Bengal needs a government that ensures our families face no difficulties. I have five votes.”
Another villager, a driver, shared his frustrations about the lack of jobs in Bengal. “There are many problems. There are no good schools. The primary school is only for basic meals. There are no healthcare facilities. We need a government that provides employment, education, and health services. We don’t have Ayushman cards; if we did, we could access treatment.”
Vishnu Mandal mentioned that drinking water is available only occasionally. “A good government is needed for development and to provide education and health facilities,” he said.
Vikram added, “There are no significant issues, but we haven’t received housing from the government. Clean drinking water is scarce. We earn our daily meals. My educated child is unemployed; there should be jobs for him. We need a government that can work on the ground.”
Left leader Deepu Haldar remarked that elections have been held since 1952, and as Bengal prepares for the 2026 assembly elections, it is concerning that the condition of villages has not improved after so many years.
During this time, some individuals complained about their names being removed from the voter list. One person stated that their name was cut during the SIRO process. Others claimed their names had also been removed from the voter list.
–
Leave a Comment