West Bengal is witnessing a reported exodus of domestic workers, allegedly illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, following the recent announcement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. This electoral process has seemingly prompted a swift departure from certain districts.
Highlighting the situation, Amit Malviya, the BJP’s central observer for West Bengal, posted on social media about the alarming trend. He reported that numerous domestic helpers across Birati, Bisharpara, and neighboring areas within the North 24 Parganas district have vanished post-SIR announcement. Malviya cited the case of a long-term domestic worker, identified as Rahima’s mother, who reportedly fled to Bangladesh immediately after the revision process was declared, as per local news reports.
Similar accounts have emerged from different households in the same district, with some individuals reportedly stating their intention to return to Bangladesh temporarily until the voter list situation resolved. Malviya commented that this development signifies a flight from the Chief Minister’s alleged vote bank, criticizing past and present governments for allegedly harboring and supporting illegal infiltrators.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has consistently voiced concerns that the Trinamool Congress’s strong opposition to the SIR is due to fears of losing their alleged voter base comprising illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. In contrast, the Trinamool Congress has alleged that the SIR is a strategic move by the BJP to implement the NRC in West Bengal.
The Special Intensive Revision of voter lists has been announced by the Chief Election Commissioner for 12 states, including West Bengal, with the fieldwork commencing on November 4.