Silchar voters flag 40-year cabinet void as key poll issue

Silchar: A growing sense of discontent is brewing among voters in the prestigious Silchar assembly constituency, where the absence of a ministerial face for over four decades has emerged as a key issue ahead of the assembly elections.Residents point out that Silchar last had representation in the state cabinet in 1983, when Jagdish Chandra Choudhury briefly served as PHE minister prior to the signing of the Assam Accord.This time, BJP has fielded former MP Rajdeep Roy from the seat, while Congress has nominated social worker Abhijit Paul.Voters say the prospect of ministerial inclusion is weighing heavily on their choice. “Silchar has been ill-fated.

For over 40 years, this prestigious constituency has been deprived of representation in the Assam cabinet. This has contributed to its underdevelopment. We will certainly consider this while deciding whom to vote for,” said Shyamal Banik, an AGP member and trader.At the same time, a strong undercurrent of anti-incumbency is also visible, driven largely by persistent civic issues. “Civic issues have been neglected for years by successive MLAs. There are hardly any safe pathways for pedestrians. Roads are either riddled with potholes, under construction for years, or submerged during rains,” said Aparna Mahanta, a university student.