Assam Assembly Election 2026: Lakhimpur voters flag drainage, roads, internet woes

As Assam prepares for its state assembly elections, everyday civic concerns dominate conversations in Lakhimpur, where residents speak of poor drainage, narrow roads, flooding and unreliable internet connectivity.

Nestled in northeastern Assam along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, Lakhimpur is surrounded by greenery and tea gardens. But locals say the region’s infrastructure has failed to match its natural promise.

In particular, residents point to clogged drains and congested single-lane roads as persistent problems that affect daily life and movement.

According to Gopal Chaudhary, Local Businessman, ‘’For the development of Lakhimpur, one important issue is that of drainage. Another is roads. The existing single roads should be expanded into two-lane or four-lane roads so that commuting becomes more convenient. This will also reduce the extra time we currently spend in traffic’’

Alongside physical infrastructure, social challenges are also drawing concern. Weak internet connectivity, rising drug use and increasing mobile addiction among young people are being flagged as serious issues.

Community voices are urging authorities to create healthier alternatives, especially through improved sports facilities and accessible playgrounds.

Uddhab BharalI, Padma Shri recipient and resident of Lakhimpur, "Today, everyone is talking about digital, that it's a digital world and you have to move forward. But here, network is a major problem. There should be proper internet connectivity and it should be accessible to the common people as well. Drugs are also a problem. Not only that, mobile addiction is another issue. You have to provide alternatives. Stadiums are being built in two villages, that is a different matter, but there should be at least one playground within every village. Then the children who were getting involved in wrong activities can engage in sports activities instead."

Political narratives in Lakhimpur vary sharply across party lines, with opposition leaders questioning governance and delivery on the ground.

Representatives of the Indian National Congress say unemployment, flooding and administrative inefficiencies remain unresolved.

Narayan Saikia, Chairman, RTI Department Congress Assam says."One major issue is employment. I won't say it is only an issue of our 76th constituency .... it is an issue for the whole of Assam. There are many issues here too. For example, there is the question of new employment opportunities, and this is also a flood-affected area. There are concerns about the justice system as well. The administrative system is not functioning properly either.."

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, however, says Lakhimpur has witnessed visible progress in recent years and that development is underway.

Bhawani Shankar Sharma, BJP Councillor says,, "Here, the contribution of our MLA....whether in education, roads, transport, or other facilities, the public services and infrastructure we have received are far better than what we had even expected. We hope that in the coming time, we will get even better facilities. We had thought that such development might take three to four terms, but we have already received it even before the current five-year term has been completed.."

Voters in Lakhimpur will likely be influenced by conflicting claims of progress and neglect as elections to the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly are scheduled for later this year.