BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th August 2025: In a striking act of self-reliance, residents of Ravan Tilla Ward No. 2 under Manu Valley Gram Panchayat in Chandipur assembly constituency have begun repairing a two-kilometer stretch of unpaved road that has remained neglected for over seven years. Armed with shovels and sheer determination, villagers say they’ve lost faith in local governance and are now taking matters into their own hands.
Local resident Pradip Bauri voiced his frustration to the media, alleging that “not a single step has been taken to improve this road during the BJP-led administration. Under the MGNREGA scheme, workers merely pose for photographs and leave—no real work is ever done. Panchayat representatives show no oversight. It feels like they’re pocketing money meant for laborers.”
Villagers claim that development work in Ward No. 2, which is under CPI(M) control, has been deliberately stalled by ruling party representatives. The consequences are most severe during the monsoon season, when the dilapidated road makes it nearly impossible to transport patients to health centers or allow fire trucks to reach emergencies.
Despite repeated appeals to the Panchayat, no action was taken, prompting residents to begin road repairs themselves. “Development shouldn’t be limited to ruling party wards,” said one villager. “We are citizens too. Why should Manu Valley’s Ward No. 2 be left behind?”
The community accuses the ruling party of favoritism and political vendetta, claiming that ordinary villagers are being punished for their political affiliations. “Who are government schemes meant for? The people—or just the ruling party’s inner circle?” they ask.
