In a dramatic pre-election migration, thousands of migrant labourers from Bihar are abandoning their jobs in Chandigarh and Punjab, embarking on a mass journey home. The driving force behind this unexpected exodus isn't just civic duty—it's the very real fear of losing access to life-sustaining government welfare schemes.
The Price of Not Voting
Panic has spread through migrant communities as rumours circulate that absence from voting booths could lead to the suspension of ration cards under the National Food Security Act and exclusion from other crucial state benefits. For many families dependent on subsidised food grains, this represents an existential threat.
Economic Exodus from Prosperous Regions
The migration pattern reveals a troubling trend: workers are leaving relatively prosperous employment hubs in Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and surrounding areas in Punjab. Many are sacrificing daily wages ranging from ₹800-1,000—a significant financial hit—to secure their long-term welfare safety net.
Transport Systems Strained
The sudden surge in returning migrants has put enormous pressure on transportation networks. Buses and trains heading toward Bihar are experiencing unprecedented crowding, with many migrants willing to endure extreme discomfort and pay premium prices for last-minute tickets.
Between Employment and Entitlements
This mass movement highlights the delicate balance migrant workers must maintain between earning a livelihood in distant states and preserving their eligibility for benefits in their home states. The situation underscores how deeply government welfare schemes influence voter behaviour and migration patterns in contemporary India.
As Bihar prepares for its electoral process, this unprecedented reverse migration demonstrates the powerful intersection of politics, poverty, and public welfare in shaping the lives of India's mobile workforce.
