Bhubaneswar, Odisha : With the approach of the Nuapada bypoll, political parties are focusing on migrant workers, a major group that could play a decisive role in shaping the political scenario. All parties are planning strategies to bring them back home to secure support in their favor.
Nuapada, a district situated on the Western Odisha border, has witnessed significant migration over the last few decades. Due to the lack of employment opportunities, thousands of people move to other states in search of livelihood. They work as daily wage laborers in brick factories, construction, textile mills, and other industries in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat.
As per reports, more than 40,000 migrant workers are currently in other states. Out of 2.48 lakh voters, 1.86 lakh cast their votes in previous elections. Keeping this in mind, political parties are tracing the addresses of migrant workers to ensure their participation.
Though absent from the district most of the time, migrant workers have emerged as a crucial and potentially deciding factor for the election. Leaders have recognized the reality of returnees, and ensuring that migrant workers return home to cast their votes has become a top priority. Arrangements for transportation to bring them back from other states are already underway.
Analysts opine that the migrant vote could prove decisive in the upcoming bypoll. Efforts to bring them back may result in higher voter turnout and could influence the election outcome significantly.
Political campaigning is heating up, with star campaigners and heavyweight leaders actively engaging in the constituency. Observers are closely monitoring the situation and making arrangements to facilitate the participation of migrant workers.
