In the Kusheshwarsthan assembly constituency of Darbhanga district, voters and polling staff face a unique challenge for the elections scheduled on November 6. Heavy rainfall caused by the Montha cyclone has led to severe waterlogging across the region, making it impossible to reach several polling booths by road. As a result, arrangements have been made for boats to transport people to 13 polling booths affected by flooding. The affected areas include villages where rivers have overflowed, submerging approach roads and creating difficulties for both voters and election workers. Local administration has confirmed that boats will be arranged to ensure voters can exercise their franchise without hindrance. The Block Development Officers of Kusheshwarsthan and the eastern block have assured that proper arrangements are in place. While voters will use boats to reach polling centers, election staff will be transported via vehicles through available road routes wherever possible. The flooding has particularly impacted villages in the northern parts of the constituency, where hundreds of voters from different settlements will need to rely on boats or temporary bridges. This situation highlights the challenges faced during elections in flood-prone areas. Despite the difficulties, authorities remain committed to conducting smooth polling. The use of boats demonstrates the administration's determination to ensure democratic participation continues even under adverse weather conditions. Voters from multiple villages including Gora Uttari, Khon Balha, Golma Deeh, Bhrain Mushari, Sugharain, Gaijaori, Baltharwa, Jimraha, Chaukiya, and Bhardiha will need these alternative transport arrangements to cast their votes.
Villages Affected by Flooding
Several villages across Kusheshwarsthan block are severely affected by waterlogging following the Montha cyclone. In Gora Uttari village, around 750 voters will need to travel by boat to reach their polling station. Similarly, Khon Balha village has approximately 1,000 voters who face the same challenge. At the primary school polling booth in Golma, around 350 voters from Golma Deeh village will require boat transport. The primary school booth at Bhrain Mushari will serve the eastern settlement, where 650 voters are affected. The flooding has particularly impacted low-lying areas where rivers have breached their banks. These villages have no alternative road access during the current flood situation. The administration has surveyed all affected areas to determine the exact number of boats needed. Local fishermen and boat owners have been contacted to provide transportation services. The situation has created anxiety among elderly voters and those with mobility issues, though officials have promised special assistance for such cases.
Multiple Polling Stations Require Boat Access
The high school at Sugharain hosts two polling booths that will serve 1,160 and 611 voters respectively from Sugharain village, all requiring boat transport. At the middle school polling booth in Simartokai, approximately 400 voters from Gaijaori village face similar challenges. The middle school booth at Ithar will accommodate 200 voters from Baltharwa village and 400 voters from Jimraha village, all needing boats or temporary bamboo bridges locally known as chachari pul. The middle school at Barniya serves 400 voters from Chaukiya village who must use boats. Additionally, the Fakdoliya polling booth will handle 900 voters from Bhardiha village under similar circumstances. These numbers represent a significant portion of the electorate in the constituency who cannot access polling stations through normal means. The widespread nature of the flooding demonstrates the scale of the challenge. Election officials have emphasized that despite these obstacles, voting will proceed as scheduled and no voter will be denied their democratic right due to natural calamities.
Administrative Arrangements for Smooth Polling
Block Development Officer Lalan Kumar Chaudhary of Kusheshwarsthan and the eastern block has provided detailed information about the arrangements being made. He confirmed that boats will be organized specifically to ferry voters to polling booths where road access is cut off. The administration is working to ensure sufficient boats are available throughout polling hours. For election staff and polling materials, arrangements have been made to transport them via vehicles using available road routes wherever possible. In areas where roads remain accessible for part of the journey, combined transport arrangements using both vehicles and boats are being planned. The administration has conducted site visits to assess the situation at each affected polling station. Priority is being given to ensuring the safety of both voters and polling personnel during water transport. Special attention is being paid to protecting electronic voting machines and other sensitive materials from water damage during transport. Officials have also arranged for backup boats in case of emergencies. The coordination involves multiple departments including the district administration, police, and local village councils to ensure smooth operations on election day.
Impact of Montha Cyclone on Elections
The Montha cyclone brought unprecedented rainfall to the region, causing rivers and water bodies to overflow their banks. This has created extensive waterlogging that has not receded despite several days passing since the heavy rains. The cyclone's impact has been particularly severe in low-lying areas of the Kusheshwarsthan constituency, where drainage systems are inadequate to handle such large volumes of water. Agricultural fields have been submerged, and village roads have become impassable. The timing of this natural disaster just before elections has created a complex logistical challenge for election authorities. Previous elections in the region have also faced similar issues during monsoon seasons, but the current situation is considered more severe. Residents of affected villages have expressed concern about elderly family members and those with health issues who may find it difficult to travel by boat. However, community members have shown willingness to help each other reach polling stations. The administration's decision to use boats rather than postpone polling in affected areas has been generally welcomed as it ensures voters can participate in the democratic process without delay. This situation underscores the need for better flood management infrastructure in the region.
Source: Link