Political Leaders Forced to Retreat Amid Rising Anger Over Flood Aid

The flood emergency in Katihar has sparked a rare showdown between elected representatives and the people they serve. When state minister Pramod Chandrawanshi and Barari MLA Vijay Singh arrived at the Mohna Chandpur relief camp on September 12, they were met with a swelling crowd demanding immediate action.

Local villagers pointed out that many families were still living under tarps, without adequate food, medicine or clean water. Their grievances quickly turned into chants of “Murdabad” directed at the minister, the MLA and the MP present.

Rather than engaging with the crowd inside the shelter, the officials chose to leave the site. Their decision not to inspect the camp has amplified criticism of the state’s disaster‑management plan and raised questions about political will in the face of mounting public frustration.