Bihar Migrant Workers Forced To Sacrifice Ballot Rights Due To Financial Strain

 

As India prepares for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, many migrant workers face an unexpected barrier to participating in the democratic process due to financial constraints preventing travel home to vote. Despite their eagerness, harsh economic realities are rendering this basic right out of reach.

With meager wages, undertaking a costly journey home poses insurmountable challenges. For some, choosing between working or voting becomes a stark reality, with finances dictating decisions.

Sanjay Jha, a Mumbai security guard from Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, expressed inability to vote, lamenting “Everyone wants to vote…but due to financial crunch, I doubt I will.” Spending Rs. 5,000 on travel is unthinkable for Jha earning Rs. 15,000 monthly.

Shabbir Sheikh from Kishanganj echoes Jha, highlighting the difficult trade-off many face. “Migrant workers do not have extra money to travel home to vote. We have to work hard just to provide for our families,” he says.

Thousands of migrants from impoverished Bihar districts like Katihar, Purnea, Araria face similar challenges each election cycle.

Madhepura resident Harendar Mandal working in Tamil Nadu lamented the lack of government support, questioning “Why is the government not facilitating our voting back home? After all, we have equal rights but are deprived of voting due to lack of money to travel.”

As elections near, calls grow for authorities to address this issue through arrangements like free travel coupons enabling financial burden-free voting.

An Election Commission officer acknowledged migrant return during COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased 2020 Bihar assembly voter turnout, particularly in districts with higher returning migrant percentages.

Their stories underscore the need for inclusive measures safeguarding every citizen’s fundamental rights, regardless of economics or location, for democracy to truly be representative. Policymakers must bridge this gap to ensure no voter is left behind.