Prateeksha Thakur 
Residents of Bhadroli Khurd, Ward No. 1 of Bhadroli Kalan panchayat in Bilaspur district’s Jhandutta subdivision boycotted the panchayat elections to protest against the lack of a proper road to their village. The boycott significantly affected polling, as voters cast only 6 votes at a booth with nearly 250 registered voters.
Villagers said authorities have failed to construct a proper road connecting the village to the main route for nearly 35 years despite repeated demands. Angry over the continued neglect, residents decided not to participate in the elections.
Local resident Vikram said the road becomes almost unusable during the monsoon season because mud and slippery conditions make travel dangerous. He added that villagers often carry patients, elderly people and pregnant women to the main road on palanquins or tractors during emergencies.
Residents said they submitted several memorandums to the Deputy Commissioner and other officials over the years, but authorities did not provide any permanent solution. Villagers accused political leaders of making big development promises during elections while ignoring the village’s basic infrastructure needs.
The villagers warned that they will continue to boycott panchayat, Assembly and Lok Sabha elections until authorities construct the road.
Residents also said the poor road condition has affected children’s education, medical access and farmers’ transportation. They claimed repeated appeals to officials and political leaders failed to bring any action, forcing them to take the step of boycotting elections.
