Concerns Raised Over Migrant Workers' Treatment in BJP-Run States

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Meets PM Modi

As the West Bengal assembly elections approach, former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. During their discussion, he expressed his worries regarding the mistreatment of migrant workers from the state in BJP-ruled regions.

Chowdhury, who visited Modi's office in Delhi, also brought up the concerns of the Matua community, which he claims is fearful that their names might be removed from the electoral rolls for the upcoming assembly elections.

Letter to the Prime Minister

In a letter addressed to Modi, Chowdhury highlighted that West Bengal's migrant workers, who are spread across the country, frequently face severe discrimination, particularly in BJP-governed states. He emphasized that these workers contribute significantly to the economy through their hard work and skills, yet they endure violence, hatred, mistreatment, and even fatal assaults.

Chowdhury asserted that their only 'crime' is speaking Bengali, which often leads authorities to mistakenly classify them as illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh. He pointed out the irony that administrative officials, including police, fail to distinguish between Bengali speakers and Bangladeshi nationals, leading to unjust detentions without any wrongdoing.

Call for Action Against Violence

The Congress leader referenced the tragic case of Jewel Sheikh, a 19-year-old migrant worker who was brutally killed in Sambalpur, Odisha, on December 24. He urged the Prime Minister to ensure that all state governments are made aware of the need to prevent such discrimination, violence, and harassment. After the meeting, Chowdhury reiterated his claims from the letter, stating that the Prime Minister assured him that he would consider the issues raised. He expressed concern over the lack of discussion regarding migrant workers in recent parliamentary sessions.