As the 2026 Assembly Elections approach, the political parties are facing a massive backlash from the residents along the banks of the Damodar River. Hundreds of villagers, fed up with decades of empty promises, have signaled a complete boycott of the upcoming elections if a permanent bridge is not constructed.

The Struggle for Connectivity: For years, the local populace has relied on a fragile bamboo bridge to cross the river. During emergencies and the monsoon season, the situation becomes life-threatening as the bridge often washes away. “We don’t want any more ‘lollipops’ (false promises) from politicians. We want a concrete bridge,” said a protesting local. The unified stance of the villagers has sent alarm bells ringing through the election war rooms of major political parties.