Weighing hope against uncertainty, migrant voters head back to Bengal

Amritsar: A large number of migrant Bengalis living in Punjab are closely tracking the West Bengal elections, with many having already travelled to their home state to vote in the first phase, while others left on Saturday to cast their ballots in the second. While some hope for Didi's return to power, others are seeking a change in regime.Shahrukh, a factory manager at a textile unit, said most Bengalis residing in the Majha region whose voter registrations remain in West Bengal have either already left or are preparing to travel to cast their votes. Shahrukh, who himself is flying to Kolkata, said, "Our families are in West Bengal, and so are our interests. These cannot be ignored. We have to return to our native state to exercise our right to vote." Dr Narayan Chandra Chatterjee, who has been living in Punjab for nearly five decades, said voters registered in West Bengal were anxious about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and its possible implications, and were determined to address any discrepancies. "They are worried about family members, friends and neighbours, fearing their voting rights could be permanently withdrawn," he said.Referring to a senior central leader's remark allegedly describing Trinamool Congress workers as "goons", Chatterjee underlined the importance of migrant Bengalis participating in the elections. "The statement suggests that those currently within the ambit of local law enforcement could be replaced by elements who may not remain accountable," he said.Durga Puja committee president Kamal Bengali said migrant Bengalis have a strong stake in the present as well as the future government, making their participation in the electoral process crucial. He said Bengalis living in Punjab have interests aligned with both ‘Mamata Didi' and the BJP, and are often reluctant to disclose their political preferences. "But it is certain that almost all those registered as voters in West Bengal have travelled to vote — many earlier for the first phase and others now, by train and air."