Jagatsinghpur: With the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections scheduled for April 29, hundreds of migrant workers and fishermen from Paradip in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district are undertaking hazardous journeys back to their home state to cast their votes.

Lives at stake amid democratic exercise

Reports indicate that migrant workers, many originally from districts such as Nadia, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and Purba Bardhaman (East Bardhaman), are being transported in overcrowded buses. Due to a severe shortage of seats, many are forced to travel on the rooftops of buses, exposing themselves to life-threatening risks.

The situation has intensified as political mobilization picks up pace ahead of the elections, with both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) striving for high voter turnout. The first phase reportedly witnessed over 90 percent polling, and efforts are underway to maintain similar momentum in the upcoming phase.

In Paradip and nearby industrial areas, a large number of Bengali migrant labourers employed in factories, construction firms, and the fishing sector are heading back to West Bengal. Regular bus services towards Kolkata, Digha and Kanthi are operating beyond capacity, while additional buses are reportedly being arranged from Kolkata by political affiliates to ferry voters.

Similar scenes have been observed in Erasama, where fishermen and aquaculture workers are also leaving in large numbers to participate in the electoral process.

Administrative lapses raise safety concerns

However, the unsafe travel conditions have raised serious concerns. Commuters perched atop buses face the danger of coming into contact with overhead electric wires, as well as risks from low bridges and roadside obstacles.

Despite the evident risks, there appears to be little to no enforcement action from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or local administration. Buses arriving from Kolkata and those departing with passengers are reportedly not being subjected to proper safety checks.

The lack of oversight has sparked questions about accountability in the event of an accident. As the election draws closer, the lives of these migrant voters remain at stake as they attempt to exercise their democratic right.

8 districts to go to polls in 2nd phase; counting on May 4

The assembly segments that will vote in the second (final) phase cover eight districts, including Kolkata (North), Kolkata (South), Howrah, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman. The counting of votes will be held on May 4.