Kolkata Residents Stare at Difficult Days as Workforce Leaves City to Vote: Report

Kolkata Residents Stare at Difficult Days as Workforce Leaves City to Vote: Report. In this video, we discuss the challenges faced by Kolkata residents as the workforce leaves the city to vote. Join us as we explore the impact of this exodus on daily life, businesses, and essential services in Kolkata.

Politics May 30, 2024 0 24 Add to Reading List

Kolkata residents face challenging times as workers leave the city to cast their votes.

Kolkata: Residents of the "City of Joy" find no solace as they appear to be swept into a whirlwind of anxiety, preparing for potential disruptions in their routines starting this Friday.

The cause of their apprehension is the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on June 1, when the city and its suburbs cast their votes, and the period thereafter until the results are declared on June 4.

During this crucial period, chaos looms as a significant portion of the workforce involved in various professions across the metropolis readies to depart the city and head back to their villages to exercise their voting rights.

Polling will occur in multiple constituencies in Kolkata and its neighboring districts of North and South 24 Parganas during the concluding phase of the general elections.

A considerable number of workers from these districts, who sustain themselves in Kolkata through temporary accommodations, will make the journey back home to participate in the voting process, regardless of the circumstances.

For many, this engagement is fueled by feelings of pride, empowerment, and even a sense of celebration. For others, it presents a golden opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, host gatherings, and enjoy the act of voting. However, for most, it's a duty they cannot afford to neglect.

Tapas Adhikari, a resident of Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency and employed as a security guard in central Kolkata, epitomizes this ethos.

At the expense of sacrificing his daily earnings, Adhikari never skips voting whenever an election approaches. "I must go to cast my vote. Otherwise, I won't receive any assistance from the party," he stated.

His frustration was evident as he described how, despite his allegiance, he occasionally forfeits government benefits if the ruling party detects any hint of his apathy towards voting.

In contrast, Biswajit Baidya, another security guard in Salt Lake, appears motivated by a sense of civic responsibility. "I travel from Jaynagar, nearly 70 km from Kolkata, to vote every time. It’s my duty towards my state and country," he asserts, his eyes gleaming with determination. He diligently follows newspapers and TV bulletins to make an informed choice.

Nilima Jana, a domestic helper from a village near the Sundarbans, finds herself in a different predicament. She must return home to vote, fearing for her family's safety.

"My family might face trouble if I don't vote. I have elderly parents and in-laws there," she says, worry evident on her face. Yet, a smile breaks through as she adds, "I also get to see my son and daughter."

The sudden mass departure of voters, who hold crucial roles essential for the city's functioning and whose significance is often only recognized in their absence, is expected to leave Kolkata in a state of upheaval in the days ahead.

Residents will find themselves without domestic assistance, security personnel, drivers, conductors, and home healthcare aides, all disappearing only to reappear after the election results are announced, leaving residents to fend for themselves.

Commuters are also likely to face chaos as the Election Commission and state police requisition vehicles and buses for election duties, further disrupting an already strained public transportation system.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of buses and minibuses has decreased. The recent severe cyclone Remal has exacerbated the situation, with many drivers leaving to support their families.

Tapan Banerjee, the general secretary of the Joint Council of Bus Syndicate, expresses his regret, stating, "Since May 29, we've lost approximately 2,200 buses from our fleet of 2,500-3,000, and 250 minibuses to election duty. Additionally, some drivers and conductors have also returned home to vote."