Guwahati, Feb 12: As elections approach in Assam, the Kamrup (Metropolitan) district is alive with political fervor. Posters are being put up overnight, campaign speeches fill the air, and political figures are actively engaging with the public.

In Dispur, the heart of Assam's political scene, this election cycle feels distinct. The electoral map has been redrawn, with new localities emerging. For many locals, the pressing question is not about who will emerge victorious, but rather who is truly listening to their concerns.

Roads start, but never seem to finish - a footpath under construction

As the Assembly elections draw near, Dispur showcases the stark contrasts of Guwahati. While some areas boast new flyovers, others are gripped by the fear of eviction. Some households have access to water pipelines, while others struggle through floodwaters each monsoon. As part of its constituency watch series, Pulse of the Polls, a local media outlet explored Dispur to gather residents' opinions.

When a home feels temporary

In Botaghuli, Panjabari, homes cling precariously to hillsides, but the sense of security is absent. Here, land ownership is intertwined with anxiety. Years of eviction drives and legal battles have left families feeling as if their homes could vanish at any moment.

Narendra Nath Sharma, a senior resident, expressed his weariness rather than anger. “We live on the edge of Guwahati, both literally and administratively. While some schemes have been introduced, land ownership remains unresolved. The Forest Department obstructs construction and repairs. All we seek is legal possession of the land we inhabit,” he stated.

For many in these hills, the threat of eviction is not a distant memory but a constant worry. Dijen Deka shared his concerns: “We hear discussions between the Forest and Revenue departments, but no decisions reach us. Ordinary people reside here. If evictions occur again, where will they go?”

Campaigns grow louder, answers remain silent

Deveshwar Kakoti recalled the 2017 eviction linked to a boundary dispute with Amchang forest. “The case is still pending in court. If our names were included in land records, our fears would dissipate.” Five years later, the court documents continue to pile up without resolution.

Broken promises on roads

Moving downhill, the challenges shift. Here, the state of the roads impacts mobility, dignity, and safety. Arman Ali, a Baghorbari resident, pointed to a dilapidated road segment.

“Rickshaws refuse to come here. Walking is a challenge. There are no streetlights or drainage systems. During rains, stepping outside feels perilous,” he remarked.

Another local, Romen Das from Paanirtol, added, “While schemes appear promising on paper, the reality of roads and drainage systems shapes our daily lives. Only those already connected benefit; the rest are left waiting.”

In Dispur, connectivity is not about internet access but rather the existence of proper roads.

The perennial artificial floods

Hatigaon tells the familiar tale of water replacing roads. A.R. Khan, whose home is near the main road, described the monsoon season as an annual ordeal. “Water flooded our home seven times last year. Contractors start work, then abandon it. Temporary fixes only redirect water into our homes,” he explained.

Promises echo, where drains don't flow

Runu Bora expressed her frustration: “Every year, the water rises higher. No one comes to help, neither the MLA nor the councillor. This time, our vote hinges on action, not mere words,” she stated.

In a city that prides itself on modernity, residents still resort to stacking bricks to keep water at bay.

The MLA’s view

Atul Bora, the incumbent MLA from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), perceives the situation differently. “I am consistently working. Schemes have reached the people. The issue of artificial flooding is not solely the government's fault; citizens also obstruct natural drainage by occupying land. How much can the government do alone?” he contends.

In summary, Dispur's narrative is not one of complete failure or total success. It reflects a reality of unfinished roads, partial solutions, and unresolved anxieties.

Homes stand steady, certainty doesn't

Some families have seen improvements, while many continue to wait. As candidates return with new promises and slogans, residents are measuring the past five years not by speeches but by the grievances that remain unaddressed.