Daijiworld Media Network - Gaya

Gaya, Nov 9: As Bihar heads into the second phase of assembly elections, the cry for development from villages near Gaya stands as a stark reminder of forgotten promises. For over 77 years, more than 8,000 villagers from Pathra, Herhanj, and Kewaldih have been demanding just one thing — a bridge over the Mhorhar river, which they now call the “river of helplessness.”

“We will not vote till the bridge is constructed. Pul nahi toh vote nahi,” declared a woman voter, echoing the frustration of generations.

Every monsoon, these villages are cut off from the rest of Bihar for nearly four months. Villagers wade through chest-deep water, unable to reach schools, markets, or hospitals. “Only we can understand the extent of the problems we face. For us, development means just one bridge,” said a villager.

Tragedies are all too common. Sunil Vishwakarma of Pathra died on the riverbank as his family waited helplessly for help that never came. “There was no ambulance. The vehicle was on the other side of the river,” his grieving mother recalled.

Pregnant women often die before reaching hospitals 39 km away, while villagers say at least two lives are lost every monsoon. “We are surrounded by forests and water; it’s a struggle for survival,” said another villager.

As political parties release manifestos filled with promises, for these villagers, the demand remains heartbreakingly simple — a bridge for survival.

The second phase of Bihar polls will be held on November 11, with results to be declared on November 14.