Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has pledged a compassionate and comprehensive response as 2,476 Bengali-speaking migrant workers return to West Bengal. Many fled alleged violence, discrimination, and insecurity in states—especially those ruled by the BJP. The state’s data, updated till August 6, shows the scale of the exodus and the human cost of interstate migration in a polarised political climate.
The largest group—793 workers—came from BJP-ruled Haryana, where they reportedly faced harassment, xenophobia, and in some cases, violence. One victim, Sabbir Alam, 27, from North Dinajpur, returned with both legs broken, allegedly due to police torture. He was accused of being a “Bangladeshi infiltrator,” a label often used to target Bengali labourers.
In another shocking case, Abu Bakkar Mandal, 33, from Maharashtra, was murdered and dismembered. Locals and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) link his death to rising anti-Bengali sentiment.
Returnees also came from Odisha (361), Maharashtra (168), Uttar Pradesh (68), and Gujarat (37). Even Kerala, under a non-BJP government, saw 518 workers leave, suggesting wider economic insecurity.
Most have resettled in Raiganj (933), Murshidabad (788), and Coochbehar (272). These districts now face the challenge of economic reintegration and social support.
Banerjee said, “Even if we have just one roti, we will gladly share half with you.” Her government has promised jobs, social security, and education for the children of returnees. The TMC is portraying the crisis as a failure of the BJP’s governance model, contrasting it with Bengal’s “inclusive” stance.
Critics accuse Banerjee of politicising the issue, but the humanitarian dimension is undeniable. The crisis raises questions about whether linguistic and regional identity is becoming a liability in parts of India. West Bengal’s challenge will be to remain a refuge while managing the socioeconomic impact of return migration.
