GUWAHATI: With the state awaiting results of the assembly polls on Monday, a clear sentiment is emerging among its residents — development must take precedence over petty political rhetoric. While govts often emphasize development, citizens note that although some initiatives are long-term and impactful, others fall short.Arshel Akhtar, who’s associated with an NGO, said, “The new govt should base its policies on transparent, scientific, and locally relevant evidence, regularly review them, and continue only those that improve lives or protect the environment.” He added that decisions should prioritize long-term public interest, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and social equity.Emphasizing development and accountability, residents want political parties to be transparent in their actions. “Those elected to power must not mislead the citizens who have placed their trust in them. They should remember that their work is a service to the people, not a means to retain power. Everyday problems exist in every household — from the responsible use of public funds and fostering unity instead of division in the name of religion, to maintaining honest engagement with the media and prioritizing employment generation. These issues have persisted for far too long, with the government often appearing to rely heavily on subsidy-driven schemes, especially as elections approach,” said Tahnin Tanisha Rahman, a student from Assam.Meghali Deb, a Guwahati resident, shared similar concerns. “Planned and timely execution of infrastructural projects is crucial for genuine development. In recent years, Guwahati has witnessed impressive growth, with high-rise flyovers and visually appealing public spaces reshaping the cityscape. Yet, challenges such as poorly maintained roads, which have led to fatal accidents, highlight the need for development that prioritizes both aesthetics and public safety.”Another resident, Rajkumar Gogoi, said, “I want politicians to rise above religion-based politics. Another sector that needs attention is healthcare. There must be adequate facilities in all 35 districts, and the gap in the patient-to-doctor ratio must be addressed so that people can receive proper treatment, even in rural areas.”Abhijit Sharma, a researcher, highlighted concerns in the education sector. “It should also focus on providing better exposure and wider career opportunities for PhD students beyond teaching roles, since many are currently limited to academia due to a lack of alternatives.”
