Villagers in Jharkhand's Littipada threaten to boycott voting over decades-long neglect

Gokulpur, a village in the Littipada block of Pakur district, has declared its intention to boycott the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections unless significant improvements are made to basic infrastructure and services. Located in the Kunjbona Panchayat, Gokulpur has been under the governance of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for over 40 years, yet the region has faced persistent challenges in accessing essential services such as roads, electricity, clean water, and healthcare.

One of the most pressing issues in Gokulpur is the poor road infrastructure. Due to the lack of proper roads, villagers are forced to carry sick individuals on a cot for around five kilometers to the main road in Kunjbona. After reaching the road, they can finally get an ambulance to take the patient to the hospital. Villagers have submitted numerous applications to the MLA, Deputy Commissioner (DC), and Block Development Officer (BDO), requesting improvements in road conditions, water supply, and healthcare, but have not received any response or action from the authorities.

Healthcare facilities in Gokulpur are virtually nonexistent. The village lacks a dedicated health center, and residents are forced to travel long distances for medical care. Pregnant women in particular face challenges, as many do not receive essential vaccinations or medical attention. The lack of medical services, coupled with poor road access, has made it difficult for the villagers to seek timely healthcare. The village's drinking water sources are also contaminated, with residents relying on unsafe streams to quench their thirst, which has raised concerns about waterborne diseases.

The absence of electricity is another key issue in Gokulpur. Without a reliable power supply, villagers depend on kerosene lamps for lighting during the night, which is both unsafe and inefficient. The lack of modern energy sources further hampers the daily lives of the residents, limiting their access to education, work, and healthcare services.

Despite the government's implementation of schemes like the Abua Awas and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the villagers of Gokulpur have not benefited from these programs. They have not received the promised housing benefits, and many still live in poor conditions without access to government-subsidized homes. Over the years, the villagers have grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of response from their elected representatives. In a meeting held recently, the villagers unanimously decided to boycott the 2024 Assembly elections unless their basic demands for development are met. They have set a deadline of November 20 for action to be taken, signaling their resolve to be heard.