The Aryavarth Express:
Jhargram (West Bengal), April 6: As election campaigning intensifies across West Bengal, with political parties announcing welfare-driven manifestos and holding rallies, the reality in Katawari village of Jhargram district presents a stark contrast.
Home to members of the Lodha tribal community, Katawari continues to struggle with basic development challenges, even as the state remains politically vibrant and election-focused.
Residents say that access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and infrastructure remains inadequate. A local resident, Raja, highlighted the everyday hardships faced by villagers, particularly the lack of medical facilities and poor water supply.
“There are many problems. Houses are in poor condition, and the water supply is unreliable. The Chief Minister once provided two water tanks, but they broke down and were never repaired. Hospitals and schools are located far away, in the city. We don’t even know what happens to our votes,” he said.
Livelihood options are also limited, with many villagers depending on forest resources. “We collect wood from the forest and sell it to survive,” he added.
The electoral battle in West Bengal is expected to be intense, primarily between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with other parties seeking to expand their presence.
Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, held in eight phases, the Trinamool Congress secured a sweeping victory with 213 seats, while the BJP emerged as the main opposition with 77 seats. The Congress and Left Front failed to win any seats.
