As Bihar prepares for Assembly elections on November 6 and 11, a significant number of residents are leaving the state instead of staying to vote. Migration has emerged as a major campaign issue, with parties like Jan Suraaj and Mahagathbandhan highlighting it prominently. Tejashwi Yadav appealed to migrant workers who returned home for Chhath festival to vote before departing, while NDA claims to work on policies to prevent migration. However, public trust remains low. Immediately after Chhath celebrations ended, trains from Begusarai station towards Delhi and Mumbai witnessed heavy crowds. Migrant workers cite economic necessity over electoral participation, stating daily wages of 700 to 800 rupees in Delhi compared to scarce employment opportunities in Bihar villages. Many also lack voter registration, making their departure before elections inevitable despite political appeals.
Economic Survival Drives Departure Despite Election Appeals
At Begusarai station on Wednesday, the Vaishali Express heading to Delhi was packed with migrants from Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Khagaria, and Begusarai districts. Workers like Ramhit Mahto, Rakesh Mahto, and others who have lived in Delhi for 12-15 years explained their predicament. They earn 700 to 800 rupees daily in Delhi, while their villages offer no guaranteed work, often not even 200 rupees per day. Pradeep Kumar and Shravan Kumar stated they lack voter cards and registration. Vivekananand emphasized that while elections matter, feeding families takes priority. Several young migrants traveling in general coaches said they see no reason to wait for elections when survival depends on returning to their workplaces outside Bihar.
Source: Link