GUWAHATI, March 30 � The civic woes facing the common people in Guwahati and its suburban areas could influence the voting pattern in the Assembly elections. This has been observed especially in those areas which have been hit hard by urban floods, endure lack of access to drinking water, and have bad roads.
A lecturer of Cotton College, who wished anonymity said, �We all know that massive funds have been coming in for various urban projects. However, we do not see significant improvements. Water logging has been a perennial problem. The elected representative has failed to deliver,� he said.
Residents of neighbourhoods affected by water logging who spoke to this reporter said that they would favour casting their votes for someone more capable than past leaders. The choice would be dictated by individuals, not the parties they represent, they appeared to suggest.
The city�s transport system is in a mess, and as the number of vehicles multiplies on the roads, traffic congestions have attained nightmarish proportions. Priyankar Dutta, an advocate with the Gauhati High Court said that aspiring candidates should have a clear idea what they plan to do with the problem. �It is frustrating for those like me to commute long distances and waste precious time everyday,� he remarked.
There are others who have endured similar experiences for long, and point out that the Tarun Gogoi-led government did precious little to address the issue of transportation in Guwahati. �Neither the State Government agencies nor the elected representatives have been able to effect any positive change,� said a young professional.
Poor condition of roads is another issue that impact scores of people in and around the city. In one such case residents of the city who use the Anil Dutta Path in Kahilipara are dissatisfied that their pleas for improving the road failed to evoke any response from the departments concerned. Anurita Pathak Hazarika, a local resident said that even after RTI applications were filed and a hearing took place, there was no initiative to improve the road.
For scores of residents, lack of access to drinking water will weigh on their minds while waiting to cast their votes. Syed Jamiruddin, a skilled labourer living in Pandughat, has no connection for potable water. �We do not live very far from the Brahmaputra, but have no supply water, why will I cast my vote for the same candidate?� he asked.
