Rajasthan news: Assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled on April 23 and 29, but before that, a major movement is being seen in Rajasthan. Workers who had come from Bengal for jobs are now returning home. The reason is a message circulating among them that if they do not go to vote, their names could be removed from the voter list.
As a result, on calls from local leaders in Bengal, thousands of workers engaged in tent-event work, jewellery manufacturing and domestic jobs are either leaving or (Rajasthan news)preparing to leave. Another major reason being cited is the ‘SIR’ exercise.
People associated with the Bengali community say that the SIR conducted in Bengal has created fear among workers here that if they do not vote this time, they may lose their voter status. In Jaipur and across the state, the number of such workers is estimated at 1.5 to 2 lakh or more. Efforts are also being made to stop them from leaving so that work is not affected.
Bengali workers are involved
According to Sarafa Traders Committee president Kailash Mittal, around 1 lakh Bengali workers are engaged in jewellery trade and manufacturing. Meanwhile, Tent Business Committee member Manish Agarwal said about 1.25 lakh Bengali workers are involved in tent-event and flower decoration work.
Businessmen say these workers have started leaving in batches. Mittal said efforts are being made to stop them so that work does not suffer. If they leave, there is a fear that the jewellery business may come to a halt.
West Bengal women working as domestic help also asking for leave
A large number of Bengali women working in households have also started seeking leave. According to Hitesh, associated with the jewellery business, these women are asking for time off, saying their names could be removed from the voter list if they do not vote. Many have already left after taking one to two months’ leave.
Want to go home even by paying double money
More than 5 lakh families from Bengal are living in the state, but currently the return trend is mainly among workers. Some artisans said that due to unavailability of train tickets, they are spending up to ₹3,000 to travel by buses.
Dr Robin Sarkar, secretary of the Migrant Bengali Cultural Society, said a community meeting will be held in the first week of April to discuss the issue.
Rajasthan businessmen worried… Flight ticket offer for returning after voting
Bengali workers are experts in dome and flower decoration for wedding functions. With several ceremonies scheduled soon after the first phase of polling, work may be affected if workers do not return. Some businesses are planning to bring workers back by flights the day after voting.
There is also a risk of impact on jewellery manufacturing. The departure of artisans from boutique and handicraft sectors may affect the wedding season.