Political tensions in West Bengal have escalated sharply ahead of the Assembly elections, with a fresh controversy erupting over the return of migrant workers to the state. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has approached the Election Commission, alleging that the BJP is attempting to influence voters by facilitating the transport of workers from other states through special train services.
The row was triggered after a video surfaced showing migrant workers being sent off from Surat in Gujarat on what the TMC claims were specially arranged trains. According to the party, BJP workers were present at the station, waving party flags and bidding farewell to passengers, raising concerns about the politicisation of the exercise.
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien has submitted a formal complaint to the State Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Agarwal, accusing the BJP’s central and state leadership of violating the Model Code of Conduct. In his letter, O’Brien alleged that trains were being arranged from Udhna station in Surat specifically to bring migrant workers back to Bengal in a move aimed at directly influencing electoral outcomes.
The complaint argues that providing free train tickets, along with food and water, amounts to “bribery” under Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act. It further claims that any attempt to influence voting behaviour constitutes “undue influence” under Section 123(2) of the same law. O’Brien also questioned how a political party could arrange such large-scale transport, pointing out that Indian Railways operates under the Central Government, thereby raising concerns over the misuse of state machinery and the erosion of a level playing field in elections.
The BJP, however, has dismissed the allegations and defended the initiative. State BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said that migrant workers, many of whom were forced to leave Bengal in search of livelihood, are returning voluntarily to participate in the democratic process. He asserted that their return reflects dissatisfaction with the current state government and described it as an “expression of affection” toward the BJP.
According to BJP sources, as many as 71 special trains are planned to transport workers back to different districts across Bengal. A viral clip from Udhna station showed a chaotic rush to board one such train, with police resorting to a lathi-charge to control the situation. Bhattacharya maintained that the workers are eager to exercise their franchise and play a role in shaping the state’s future.
Election analysts note that migrant workers from districts such as Malda, North and South Dinajpur, Cooch Behar, Murshidabad and Birbhum constitute a significant voting bloc. Their participation could potentially influence the outcome in several constituencies. While the TMC has promised welfare measures, including a proposed ‘Migrant Workers’ Board’ and financial assistance, the BJP is seeking to mobilise this demographic by positioning them as rightful voters whose voices must be heard.
The TMC, however, has alleged that the BJP may be attempting to bring in voters from outside the state under the guise of migrant workers. The party has urged the Election Commission to include all expenses related to these train services in the BJP’s election expenditure and to issue a show-cause notice without delay.
With campaigning entering a crucial phase, the controversy over these “Summer Special” trains has added another layer of intensity to an already heated electoral battle. All eyes are now on the Election Commission and how it responds to the competing claims and allegations in the days ahead.
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