India, June 22 -- In recent years, Assembly elections in states such as Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Pondicherry have coincided with significant labour market disruptions across several parts of India. During these periods, large numbers of migrant workers returned to their home states to cast their votes or due to uncertainties associated with the election season. The temporary outflow of workers was further intensified by seasonal factors, including regional festivals and the start of agricultural activities, which collectively reduced labour availability in destination regions.

The shortage of migrant labour that emerged across several Indian states during 2026 has become a significant economic and social challenge, pa...