Villagers threaten to boycott 2026 assembly election

ERODE: People in Pazhamangalam panchayat in Erode district have decided to boycott the 2026 assembly elections if authorities fail to address their long-standing demand for repairing a road connecting their area with Sivagiri. The tar road to Sivagiri via Kolanalli has remained damaged for more than 20 years, the villagers say. Around 500 people live in Pazhamangalam, located near Modakkurichi. The lack of road proper road infrastructure has caused hardships to students and farmers transporting their produce to markets. "We face difficulties in using the road, " said M Gurunathan, a Class XII student.Residents say authorities have taken no effective measures to repair the road though they have submitted several petitions to the panchayat administration, the district administration, the member of parliament and the chief minister's special grievance cell."Officials have measured the road five times, but still there is no funding. They have promised that once money is allocated, the road will be repaired," a villager said.