In a unique protest during the Chhath Mahaparv, residents of Balbhadrapur Mehsi, Ward No. 9, under Raipur Bujurg Panchayat in Sarairanjan block of Samastipur district, expressed their anguish over neglected development. Facing years of unpaved roads and inadequate drainage, villagers stood in accumulated water on a muddy road on Tuesday to offer their prayers to the Sun God. They stated that since their issues remained unaddressed for years, they decided to use the waterlogging itself as a medium for their protest.

According to the villagers, their unpaved road becomes waterlogged with every rain, and due to a lack of proper drainage, the situation persists for extended periods. This causes significant inconvenience for children, the elderly, and women, especially during the monsoon season. By performing the Chhath puja amidst waterlogging, the villagers aimed to draw the attention of local administration and elected representatives to their plight. They clarified that their protest was not against the festival but against years of neglect.

Local resident Mahendra Sahni highlighted that Ward No. 9 of Raipur Bujurg Panchayat has been neglected for a long time, with public representatives failing to address their concerns. Mo. Ramavati Devi also expressed her displeasure, noting that politicians visit the village only during elections for votes but ignore its problems afterward. Villagers have urged Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, regional MP Nityanand Rai, and local representatives to resolve the road and waterlogging issues promptly. They are not asking for major development projects but simply for a motorable paved road and a proper drainage system. Social worker Sanjeev Kumar Inqlabi, Mithilesh Kumar, Saroj Kumar, and dozens of other villagers participated in this protest.