Bengali Migrant Workers in an ultimate fix

Jan 18, 2026 - By Ashutosh Roy Current AffairsPolitics

Key Highlights

1. Bengali migrant workers are facing harassment in different states. This is a serious and undeniable issue.
2. However, what happened in Beldanga in the Alauddin Shaikh case, despite the presence of police, can only be described as anarchy.
3. Shockingly, even journalist Soma Maity was attacked. Worse, she received no help despite approaching the police.
4. Therefore, street politics in the name of Bengali identity will not solve this crisis. Instead, a solution is possible only through dialogue at the government and bureaucratic levels.
5. Meanwhile, the law and order situation in Bengal is extremely fragile. If the state fails to restore control firmly and impartially, regardless of party or community, the days ahead will be far more dangerous.

Why Are Bengali Migrant Workers in Crisis?

The oppression of Bengali migrant workers is absolutely real. This cannot be denied. On 16 January, the unrest in Beldanga had its roots in the unnatural death of a Bengali migrant worker in Jharkhand. That incident triggered public anger.

Even on 17 January, a migrant worker was killed in Odisha. After the incident, BJP leaders presented a photo of Shivendu Shekhar Roy to the Prime Minister. He was once a prominent leader of the Hindu Mahasabha. During the speech of Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister also mentioned his name. Is the Trinamool Congress satisfied with just this?

A Symbol of Lawlessness

However, at the same time, the way near-hooliganism unfolded in Beldanga is deeply worrying. Protesters blocked national highways and railway lines, causing widespread disruption. More importantly, the police remained almost silent spectators. They stood by and watched, but made no serious attempt to control the situation.

Most disturbingly, when the chaos nearly turned into a riot, the Chief Minister said she could do nothing. Instead of taking responsibility, she indirectly blamed the BJP. As a result, the incident raises serious questions about law and order, administrative responsibility, and political accountability.

Is Vote-Bank Politics Deepening the Crisis?

First of all, Alauddin Shaikh died in Jharkhand. Hemant Soren government, an ally of TMC, governs Jharkhand. In other words, it is an INDIA alliance government and clearly a non-BJP government.

At the same time, when Abhishek Banerjee faced trouble with his helicopter, another helicopter came from this very Jharkhand to assist him. Therefore, by blaming the BJP for the unrest and by allowing the police to remain inactive, the Chief Minister appears to have failed in upholding Rajdharma, the duty of governance.

This approach may have pleased her political beneficiaries, but she failed to enforce the rule of law. To say it more bluntly, this was nothing but pure vote-bank politics. This is certainly not the first time. From Samserganj to Dhulian, we have seen the same pattern repeated in many places.

However, the real problem is what happened yesterday. There had been a massive attack on 24 Ghanta journalist Soma Maity and her cameraman. Sadly, attacks on journalists are not new in this state.

Women’s Security in West Bengal under threat

In her usual style, the Chief Minister advised that women should avoid going to such troubled areas. Earlier, after incidents of molestation in RG Kar and Durgapur, she had also said that women should not go out alone at night.

What I said then, I repeat again today. Times have changed significantly. In today’s world, women work shoulder to shoulder with men. That is the norm now. Therefore, the state must take full responsibility for safety. This duty cannot be shifted onto women.

Ironically, Mamata Banerjee herself, as an opposition leader, visited many places at midnight or early morning. And that was completely normal. So, the question is unavoidable. What message is she sending today, especially as West Bengal’s woman Chief Minister?

Will women’s empowerment remain limited only to Lakshmir Bhandar or Kanyashree-type grants? Or will women also have the right to work freely and safely, without fear?

What Is Forcing Bengalis to Leave Their Home State?

Now let us turn to the issue of Bengali migrant workers. No one can say for sure how many they actually are. Almost every day, trainloads of people leave districts like Nadia, Murshidabad, Malda, Dinajpur, Medinipur, and North & South 24 Parganas in search of work outside the state. Which statistics can truly capture this reality?

The truth is simple.

In a state where industries are missing and government recruitment is almost frozen, what options do able and willing workers really have?

On top of that, workers face problems like low wages, illegal cuts, strong-arm tactics, and extortion. In an era dominated by syndicates and party-backed control, many workers choose other states to earn their livelihood. So where is their fault in this? Yes, one fact is absolutely clear.

Are Bengali Migrant Workers Safe Outside Bengal?

Bengali migrant workers face harassment in many states. But this does not happen only in BJP-ruled states. It also happens in non-BJP-ruled states. Who governs Tamil Nadu, Kerala, or Punjab today?

Therefore, abusing only the BJP for vote polarization will not help. People are not that naïve anymore. Thanks to television channels and social media, almost every piece of news now spreads everywhere at lightning speed. As a result, political narratives cannot hide the ground reality for long.

The Chief Minister herself took to the streets over issues of Bengali identity and the harassment of Bengali migrant workers. The Trinamool Congress also joined the protests. However, this is not an issue for cheap street politics. To resolve this problem, the government must step forward.

Can Dialogue Protect Bengali Migrant Workers Better?

In fact, bilateral dialogue offers the most effective solution. For example, the state can send official delegations or hold talks at the bureaucratic level. Not long ago, Congress leader and former MP Adhir Chowdhury met the Prime Minister to discuss this issue.

Adhir Chowdhury also visited several places in Odisha, along with local Congress leaders, to assess the situation firsthand.

This is how real solutions emerge. Street politics may generate photographs and headlines, but it cannot deliver a lasting solution to such serious problems. As a result, institutional engagement, not street protests, holds the key to protecting migrant workers and restoring trust.

Why Is Law and Order Failing in West Bengal?

Finally, it must be said that the state’s law and order situation was recently discussed in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, thuggery linked to the SIR issue continues. Video offices are being attacked, and fear is spreading.

First of all, we must accept an uncomfortable truth. The law and order situation in our state has deteriorated. Therefore, the police must be given full freedom to work. They need to rise above party lines and community identities.

If this does not happen, the days ahead will inevitably become more dangerous.

As a result, restoring neutral policing and the rule of law is no longer optional, it is urgent and demands call for action.

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What’s your take on stopping brain drain and protecting the safety of migrant workers in other states? Share your opinion.