The residents of Jagat Das Bairagipara and Bhel Kumar Chowdhuripara in the 22-Kathalia-Mirza-Rajapur constituency of Sepahijala district have issued a warning to boycott the TTAADC vote if clean drinking water is not provided.

For years, these villagers have been struggling with a severe shortage of potable water, relying on water from ponds and small canals to quench their thirst. Consuming this unsafe water has frequently led to waterborne diseases, yet their plight has largely gone unnoticed.

Traditionally, election time brings political promises to the area, often referred to locally as “voter birds” leaving behind empty assurances. But the villagers say such promises have never translated into real improvements, and their hardships remain unchanged.

Fed up with the persistent neglect, the residents have decided to make their voices heard this time. They have made it clear that without access to safe drinking water and proper infrastructure, they will abstain from voting.

Local residents expressed their frustration: “There is no water, no roads. Why vote? Who are we voting for? Only if drinking water is provided will we cast our votes.” Despite decades of the country’s independence, the people here still rely on pond and canal water to survive—a situation that shocks many.

With the ADC elections approaching, it remains to be seen whether authorities will respond to the residents’ demands and provide essential drinking water before voting day.