Unrest in Bengal: The Struggle for Migrant Workers' Rights

Tensions escalated in West Bengal's Murshidabad district as renewed protests disrupted transport over claims of migrant worker attacks. Allegations of brutality against Anisur Sheikh in Bihar fueled anger following Alauddin Sheikh's alleged murder. Political tensions mount as parties debate migrant workers' safety across BJP-ruled states.

West Bengal's Murshidabad district has erupted into fresh turmoil as protesters obstructed National Highway-12 and railway tracks at Beldanga. The unrest follows the death of migrant worker Alauddin Sheikh, whose alleged murder has sparked widespread anger and cut off transport links across the state.

Saturday's protests were fueled by claims that another migrant, Anisur Sheikh, suffered brutality in Bihar. Tensions boiled over despite heightened security, with demonstrations causing long vehicle queues and damage to railway infrastructure. Local authorities, including the police and MLAs, are in discussions to restore calm.

Amid this backdrop, political rivalries have intensified, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress of failing to protect Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-governed regions. The safety of migrant workers has become a flashpoint in Bengal's political narrative, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)