Migrant Workers Return to Bengal Ahead of Upcoming Elections
Upcoming Elections in West Bengal
Elections in West Bengal are set to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Political parties are currently engaged in the final stages of campaigning, conducting rallies and roadshows. Meanwhile, a significant number of migrant workers, who have been working in various states across India, are beginning to return to their home districts.
Concerns Over Voter Registration
During the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the election commission, there has been a noticeable increase in the removal of voters' names from the lists in districts with high migrant populations. These workers are keen to ensure their names remain on the voter list, prompting many to return to Bengal to cast their votes.
Thousands of Workers Returning to Bengal
According to reports, thousands of migrant workers returned to Bengal in March, with many choosing to stay after Eid. Currently, workers from Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, and other states are making their way back. This group includes domestic helpers, waste collectors, construction workers, and others.
Estimating the Migrant Population
The state government estimates that around 3.6 million Bengali migrants are working outside the state, although informal estimates suggest this number could be as high as 5 million. At various railway stations in Bengal, including Howrah, workers can be seen with bags slung over their shoulders and empty paint buckets in hand.
The Importance of Voter Cards
A worker from Lal Gola in Murshidabad, who spent eight months working in Tamil Nadu, expressed the urgency of voting this time. He stated, 'It is crucial for us to cast our votes. I want my name to remain on the voter list. When I work outside Bengal, my voter card is the only identification checked, aside from my Aadhaar.'
Returning Home Despite Challenges
This worker was part of a group of eight returning home in time for the first phase of voting on April 23. Similarly, 35-year-old Jasmeer Sheikh from Santhia in Birbhum was among a group of twelve who traveled to Chennai for work. He noted, 'Typically, we return home for Eid and then leave again, but this time we couldn't. We faced difficulties with train reservations due to the crowd returning home, and ultimately had to pay fines. However, we had to return to vote.'