India, April 27 -- With the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections scheduled for April 29, hundreds of migrant workers and fishermen from Paradip in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district are undertaking hazardous journeys back to their home state to cast their votes.

Lives at stake amid democratic exercise Reports indicate that migrant workers, many originally from districts such as Nadia, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and Purba Bardhaman (East Bardhaman), are being transported in overcrowded buses. Due to a severe shortage of seats, many are forced to travel on the rooftops of buses, exposing themselves to life-threatening risks.

The situation has intensified as political mobilization picks up pace ahead of the elections, ...