A huge number of Bihar migrants are unable to vote as they return to their workplaces after celebrating Diwali and Chhath. Nearly 1.4 million migrants booked return tickets between October 28 and November 5, while around 6 lakh more confirmed their travel from November 6 to 10. The Bihar elections’ first phase is on November 6 and the second on November 11, but many will already have left.
Indian Railways has arranged 4,000 special trains to handle the rush, with over 12,000 total trips planned. Despite political efforts, migration continues heavily. Railways also estimate that around 1 million passengers may travel in general coaches between October 28 and November 10. Last year, 4.2 million people returned after Chhath, showing how migration affects voter turnout.
This movement highlights how festival timings and job-related travel cause Bihar migrants to miss voting, limiting their political participation.
