In Lalgarh, a village in Jhargram district, West Bengal, victims of Maoist violence are expressing deep disillusionment with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) as the 2026 elections approach. Bidu Singh, whose husband was killed by Maoists in 2005, feels that justice has not been served, especially as some perpetrators received the same compensation as victims. Her son, a special home guard, struggles to support the family despite receiving government assistance. Similarly, Pulin Murmu, a local school peon, laments his low salary and the lack of job security. The community, once politically active, is now focused on survival, with many former supporters of the TMC stepping back from politics. The TMC, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has made promises regarding job security and rehabilitation for victims, but these remain largely unfulfilled. Local leaders acknowledge the party's failure to adequately address the needs of affected families, with many still facing legal battles related to past violence. As the election approaches, the TMC's development agenda is seen as an attempt to mask these growing discontent and unmet expectations among voters.