Many of them have seen several elections, watched governments come and go and heard repeated promises of development. Yet, even after years of voting, several elderly residents say their basic concerns remain the same: rising prices, inadequate pensions, poor healthcare, unsafe roads and footpaths, and a lack of support in old age.

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While Assam continues to witness new flyovers, infrastructure projects and election promises, many senior citizens say they are still waiting for their day-to-day struggles to be addressed. Ahead of the Assam Assembly elections 2026, GPlus spoke with some of the senior citizens and here is what they said:

Chandra Kalita

I am a retired government employee; life has become increasingly difficult because of rising prices and low pension amounts. We are completely dependent on pension money to survive. But the pension is too little and almost everything has become expensive. There is not a single item whose price has gone down. Instead of only building new flyovers, the government should reduce the prices of essential commodities. GST has also increased so much that common people are facing problems.

Providing schemes alone will not solve everything. First, the government should control prices and then work on schemes. Earlier, we did not have time to travel, but now that we are retired, we cannot even think of going on a vacation because all our money is spent on basic living.

Altaf Hussain

I am not facing many major difficulties; there are still certain everyday problems that continue to trouble people. Right now, the main problems are that LPG cylinders are not always available, the prices of commodities keep increasing, and waterlogging remains a major issue every time. If the government focuses on these issues, it will help us a lot.

Tapash Kumar Dev

At this stage of life, we need our representatives to guide us. Whoever wins should tell us what we can do to improve the future. It does not matter which party wins, what matters is that they stand beside us and guide us.

Anil Chandra Mahanta

I do not expect anything extraordinary, but hopes for genuine development and some care for the elderly. I simply want a representative who can contribute to the development of Assam. And if the government takes any special steps for senior citizens, I will be happy.

Charitra Haloi

I am a street vendor, and all I want is to be allowed to sit here without disturbance from the GMC. Even if they charge us something, we do not mind. At this age, where will we go and what work will we do? Nobody will employ us now, so this is the only way we can survive.

Abani Kumar Deka

The government should look after senior citizens. As people grow older, they face many health problems. If the government provides support or better healthcare facilities, it will be very helpful. The city is always crowded and busy, so there should be proper facilities, especially for elderly people.

Nilima Goswami

The condition of the footpaths is extremely poor. Half of them are broken, and the rest are full of potholes. As an elderly person, I face a lot of difficulty while walking. The prices of everything from eggs to daily essentials are increasing day by day. It is good that flyovers are being built, but the government should also focus on people’s everyday lives. Nowadays, we do not feel as safe as before. A few days ago, two elderly women faced chain-snatching incidents, and nothing could be done. Alcohol is also being sold and consumed these days openly, and the government should take this seriously.

Even after voting for years, many senior citizens feel that their most basic needs are yet to be fulfilled. Their concerns are not complicated, they want affordable essential goods, higher pensions, better healthcare, proper footpaths, safer neighbourhoods, regular LPG supply, relief from waterlogging, and respect for those who continue to work in old age.

As Assam heads to the polls, the voices of these senior citizens raise an important question: after a lifetime of voting, are they finally going to be heard, or will they continue waiting for promises to turn into reality?