In a striking display of discontent, residents of Tramba village in Rajkot have put up posters declaring their MLA, Bhanuben Babariya, as ‘missing’. This protest took place on Tuesday and highlighted the villagers’ frustration with poor civic conditions in their area. Bhanuben Babariya serves as both the ward councillor and the MLA for Rajkot Rural. She is also the Cabinet Minister for Social Justice in the Gujarat government. However, locals feel her presence has been lacking in addressing their needs.
Tramba village is known for its historic sites, including the Kasturbadham and the sacred Triveni Sangam. Despite its rich heritage, villagers claim that the infrastructure is deteriorating. They are particularly upset about the old and damaged footbridge at Triveni Sangam, which has not been repaired despite numerous requests. The villagers have been vocal about their concerns, yet they feel ignored by their elected representative.
Recently, other bridges in the region have been repaired, especially after the tragic collapse of the Gambhira bridge. However, the footbridge in Tramba remains neglected, making trips to the temple dangerous for visitors. The posters put up by the villagers even offered a tongue-in-cheek reward for anyone who could find Babariya.
The issues go beyond just the footbridge. Villagers have raised concerns about poor road conditions, garbage piling up, and lack of proper infrastructure. Many reported that Babariya rarely attends municipal board meetings, which has left many feeling disconnected from their elected officials. Protesters claim that Babariya has only attended one out of three mandatory sessions and often fails to submit leave reports when she is absent.
Bhanuben Babariya was elected as the MLA for Rajkot Rural in 2017, defeating AAP candidate Vashram Sagathiya in the 2022 Assembly elections. Despite her position in the state cabinet, many residents are questioning what tangible benefits have come from her leadership. The villagers’ frustration highlights a growing disconnect between politicians and the citizens they represent.
The protest in Tramba is not an isolated incident. Across Gujarat, there are rising concerns about the effectiveness of local leaders. Many politicians are seen as out of touch with the day-to-day issues faced by their constituents. The villagers of Tramba are simply making their voices heard, demanding accountability from their elected representatives.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether the MLA will respond to the villagers’ concerns and take action to improve the conditions in Tramba. The community hopes that this unique form of protest will catch the attention of their leader and prompt necessary changes in their village. For now, the banners serve as a reminder of the power of civic engagement and the importance of holding elected officials accountable.