Nearly eight decades post-Independence, Garumarachor village, situated on the Assam–West Bengal border in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), remains without electricity. This ongoing deprivation has provoked residents to protest vocally, chanting “No Electricity, No Vote,” in anticipation of the upcoming elections. Garumarachor lies under the No. 3 Council Constituency of Kokrajhar district, yet despite the government’s assertions about achieving universal electrification, it remains off grid without a consistent power supply since 1947, contradicting the official narrative that claims all villages in India have been electrified.
In recent demonstrations, villagers expressed their frustrations by taking to the streets with placards, united in their demand for immediate electrification. At a public assembly, they firmly stated that political leaders must ensure the provision of electricity to their homes before they seek their votes. The residents have collectively decided to boycott the impending elections unless their long-standing request for power is addressed.
Life in Garumarachor is dimly lit, with most families reliant on kerosene lamps and hurricane lanterns for light. Children continue to struggle academically, often studying under the faint glow of oil lamps as they aspire for a brighter future. While a few better-off families utilize private solar panels for minimal lighting, the majority of households are completely devoid of any electrical access.
The village is categorized under the Gossaigaon Electrical Subdivision, yet grid connectivity has never reached it. With elections approaching, there is heightened scrutiny on governmental actions and relevant departments to determine if they will take the necessary measures to electrify Garumarachor. This situation starkly underscores the disconnect between governmental policies and the harsh realities faced in some of India’s most isolated regions.