North India Statesman
News India Live, Digital Desk: As the political excitement for Bihar Assembly elections 2025 is increasing, the promises and claims of the leaders have also intensified. But amidst all this, a news has come out from Muzaffarpur district, which has given sleepless nights to all the political parties. Fed up with the devastation caused by floods and the decades-old demand for a bridge, the people of two assembly constituencies have announced a complete boycott of the elections. His slogan is clear – “No bridge, no vote.”
Local issues heavy on elections in Paru and Baruraj
This matter pertains to Paru and Baruraj assembly constituencies of Muzaffarpur. Dozens of villages in these two areas suffer the havoc of Bagmati river floods every year. For years, the people here have been demanding to build a bridge on the river so that their life can become easier and they do not lose touch with the rest of the world even during floods. But in every election he has got only empty promises.
This time the villagers have decided that they will not fall into the trap of the leaders. They have unitedly decided that they will not vote for the candidate of any political party until their demand for the bridge is fulfilled.
“We have been cheated every time”
The anger of the villagers can be clearly seen. He says, “Every five years, leaders come to seek votes, promise to build bridges and then disappear after winning the elections. This time we have decided that no vote will be cast until the work is done.” People have also started putting up banners and posters of ‘No bridge, no vote’ at many places.
Local people allege that due to floods their crops get ruined, houses get submerged and even children’s education comes to a halt. Due to lack of a bridge, they have to travel several kilometers and during floods they are completely cut off.
Big difficulties arose for the leaders
This collective decision of the public has created great difficulty for all the potential candidates of Paru and Baruraj assembly constituencies. Now, instead of holding big rallies or giving speeches on national issues, it has become more important for him to find a concrete solution to this basic demand of the people. After the announcement of this boycott, the stir in the administrative and political camps has intensified.
Now it will be interesting to see whether the government and administration take any action on this demand of the people before the elections, or the booths of these two assembly constituencies will remain deserted in this biggest festival of democracy.
