Vote in Thakurganj: 5km, a risky boat ride away

On maps, the Kanakai is a modest border river dividing the far edge of Bihar’s Kishanganj district from eastern Nepal.

- Sanjeev K Jha

But in Singhimari panchayat of Dighalbank block under Thakurganj assembly constituency, the shallow, sandy stream has become a test of electoral resolve.

On November ll—the day when the second and final phase of assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled—at least 2,500 voters of Tektha, Jali, Jogi, Methi and Kadgamarg villages of this panchayat will board a small diesel boat, cross the river in batches, and walk several kilometres to reach their booths. There is no bridge. And a boatman is the only link between the ballot and the state.