Reported by Tejesh Tripathy
Bongaigaon: Several flood displaced families in Assam’s Bongaigaon district remain undecided about whom to support in the April 9 Assembly election.
The affected residents belong to Jaraguri village under the Bongaigaon Assembly constituency. Their uncertainty reflects years of hardship following the devastating floods of 2019, when the Aie river washed away homes of around 75 families spread across nearly 500 bighas of land.
Of these, only 26 families continue to live on government land within the village as flood-displaced households. The remaining families have migrated elsewhere in search of shelter and livelihood, citing lack of adequate rehabilitation support.
Among those who stayed back, 13 families were allotted government houses measuring 16 by 16 feet. However, the structures remain incomplete and lack basic amenities such as electricity, toilets, and access to safe drinking water.
“We cannot live in these houses with our family members. There is no electricity, so our children study by candlelight. During the summer, we have to sit under trees,” said Aduri Arya (40), a resident.
With limited livelihood options beyond daily wage labour, residents say they continue to struggle for access to healthcare, food security, electricity, clean water, land documentation, and government welfare schemes.
“We desperately need a permanent plot of land and a secure livelihood so that we can sustain our lives,” said Bipin Chandra Arya (57).
Many of the affected families had previously supported the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), but say they are now reassessing their political choices.
“We will sit together before the April 9 poll and decide whom to support,” said Tara Chandra Arya (76).
As polling approaches, their decision is likely to hinge on which party or candidate offers credible assurances on rehabilitation, basic services, and long-term security.