Residents of Dhekiajuli Demand Better Infrastructure and Representation
Concerns Over Development in Dhekiajuli
Dhekiajuli, Feb 27: Residents from various Bodo-majority villages within the 65 No. Dhekiajuli Legislative Assembly Constituency in Sonitpur district have raised serious concerns regarding inadequate infrastructure and neglect. They claim that essential government welfare initiatives have not reached their communities for several years.
Villagers from areas such as Durgapur, Kowbari, Thoribari, Anjalipara, Keremere Gurungjuli, Pub Pansiri, and Cherengjuli have pointed out significant developmental disparities. They highlighted issues like poor road access, lack of bridges and culverts, insufficient healthcare services, inadequate educational facilities, and the absence of safe drinking water.
Local residents expressed their frustration towards the current MLA and Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal, accusing him of neglecting basic needs in the constituency.
“For the past five years, Ashok Singhal has represented us, yet he has done nothing to improve our situation. We are considering changing our MLA for the sake of progress. The roads are terrible, panchayat support is lacking, and many essential services are missing,” stated a local.
The dire state of the roads has made it difficult for ambulances to access remote villages, particularly during the rainy season. Parents reported that children often miss school due to impassable roads.
Another villager emphasized the lack of basic civic amenities, saying, “We face numerous problems. The roads are in disrepair, and there are no bridges or culverts. We lack a medical sub-centre. After living here for so long, how can we survive without basic facilities?”
Land rights have also become a pressing issue. A resident mentioned that despite residing in the area for over fifty years, many families have yet to receive land pattas.
“We have lived here for more than 50 years. Regardless of the elections, we have not been granted land pattas. We only possess forest rights title certificates, which are ineffective. If we had land pattas, our children could secure loans and engage in agriculture. We feel like we are living in the past,” he lamented.
As the 2026 Assembly elections draw near, many residents are contemplating supporting a different candidate.
Several locals have expressed their support for Ansuma Basumatary, a potential candidate from the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), urging the party to nominate him for the constituency.
“If Ansuma Basumatary is given a ticket from BPF, we will back him,” said a villager.
Another resident called for a local representative, stating, “The MLA of Dhekiajuli has not brought any welfare schemes or development projects to us. He is not from our area. This time, we want a new, local MLA.”
Echoing similar thoughts, another villager remarked that trust in the current MLA has diminished.
“It has been ten years with Ashok Singhal as our MLA. How can we trust him again? He has not addressed our concerns. We no longer have faith in him,” he concluded.