Migrant Chaos vs Political Comfort: Questions Mount in Surat

Surat | Gujarat — A day after thousands of migrant workers were lathi-charged and forced to return home from Udhna railway station in chaos and suffocating heat, the spotlight has turned sharply on the Bharatiya Janata Party for running free AC “Voters Special” trains from the same station — exposing what critics call a glaring double standard in priorities.

On Sunday morning, more than 10,000 migrants from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha thronged the station hoping to catch trains home. The crowd quickly spiralled out of control. People climbed barricades, trampled over each other and fainted as police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the rush. Over 4,000 passengers were forced to return to their rented rooms after failing to board trains despite paying for tickets.

“We were treated like animals. We paid for tickets but could not even step inside the train,” said Ram Prasad, a textile worker who had been waiting since dawn.

Free AC Trains for Voters

In stark contrast, the BJP sent more than 1,300 passengers in a special overnight train from Surat to West Bengal to vote in the upcoming assembly elections, with two more trains planned in the coming days. The initiative aims to mobilise Bengali migrant voters working in Surat’s diamond and textile industries.

The train, packed with flags and slogans, left smoothly from the same platform where chaos unfolded hours earlier. Organisers confirmed that the travel was completely free and conducted in air-conditioned coaches.

“The BJP is giving free AC travel for votes, but we cannot even get basic arrangements after paying money,” said Manoj Kumar, a migrant labourer from Bihar. “Is our hardship not important?”

Allegations of Double Standards

The contrast has triggered anger among migrant workers, many of whom accuse the system of ignoring their daily struggles while prioritising electoral mobilisation. Critics say the incident exposes a “convenience for one, crisis for another” approach.

“No leaders came to help when thousands were beaten and pushed back in the morning. But at night, leaders arrived to send voters comfortably,” said a diamond worker who witnessed both scenes.

Community organisers supporting the voter trains defended the move, saying it helps poor artisans exercise their democratic rights. “Many workers cannot afford expensive tickets. This initiative ensures they can vote,” said a Bengali community representative.

Political Target in Bengal

The special trains are part of the BJP’s broader strategy to challenge Mamata Banerjee and the All India Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. Around 2.5 lakh Bengalis live in Surat, making them a significant voter base.

Supporters of the initiative say the effort is about enabling participation in democracy. Critics argue the timing has exposed painful inequalities faced by migrant workers.

Anger and Unanswered Questions

For workers who fainted in queues and faced police action, the episode has left a deep sense of neglect.

“We were lathi-charged in the morning and forgotten by evening,” said Sunita Devi, who returned home without boarding a train. “This is not governance — this is discrimination.”