Thousands of migrant workers from West Bengal, employed in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, are rushing back to their home state ahead of the Assembly elections, driven by fears that their names could be removed from electoral rolls if they fail to vote.

However, many are facing significant travel challenges, with train tickets in short supply and alternative arrangements proving both costly and uncertain.

Ticket Shortage Hits Travel Plans

In Mumbai, workers in sectors such as the gold ornaments industry are among those trying to return home. Kalidas Sinha Roy, general secretary of the Bengal Swarna Shilp Kalyan Sangh, said demand for train tickets has surged sharply in April.

“There is a huge demand for train tickets. We had requested the Railway Ministry for additional trains, but only 24 special trains were allocated across the country, which is not sufficient. Even with seven daily trains to West Bengal from Mumbai, it is not enough,” he said.

Many workers unable to secure tickets are turning to private buses, including AC services, despite higher costs.

Fear Of Voter List Deletions

Workers say their urgency to return is linked to concerns about their voter registration status following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Narayan Pal, a worker in Mumbai’s jewellery sector, said his name was missing from the voter list after the revision, forcing him to visit his village in Paschim Medinipur to address the issue.

“Now I want to vote and confirm my name. We are not getting tickets even after paying double under Tatkal. Authorities should arrange more trains,” he said.

Others echoed similar concerns, saying participation in the election is crucial not just for immediate representation but also for safeguarding their voter status in the future.

Similar Concerns In Delhi

A similar situation is unfolding in South Delhi, where a large number of Bengali migrant workers reside, many of them daily wage earners who have lived in the capital for years but remain registered voters in West Bengal.

Residents said anxiety has grown after reports of names being deleted during the voter list revision process. In some cases, only a few members of a family remain on the rolls while others have been excluded.

“In our colony of around 5,000 to 6,000 people, everyone is worried whether their names are still on the list,” a resident said.

Another worker said his voter status remains uncertain despite voting regularly in the past. Others pointed to discrepancies within families, with some members included and others missing.

Determined To Vote Despite Challenges

Despite logistical hurdles, migrant workers said they are determined to return home and cast their votes. With trains overcrowded and tickets scarce, many are exploring private transport options, though operators remain cautious due to fuel and travel uncertainties.

The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4.

As the polling dates approach, the rush of migrant workers heading back home highlights both the importance of electoral participation and the challenges faced by those living away from their registered constituencies.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share