Hello Mumbai National Desk
Mass Exodus from Kamathipura: Bengali Sex Workers Rush Home Amid Fears of Voter Deletion
MUMBAI — As the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections approach, South Mumbai’s historic red-light district, Kamathipura, is witnessing a significant migration. Hundreds of sex workers, predominantly Bengali-speaking migrants, are leaving the metropolis for their home districts, driven by a growing fear that failure to cast their ballots will result in the permanent deletion of their names from the electoral rolls.
The Rush to the Polls
The West Bengal elections are scheduled to take place in phases between April 23 and April 29, 2026, with results expected on May 4. For many women in Kamathipura hailing from districts like Malda, Nadia, Murshidabad, and Kolkata, the journey home is not just about civic duty—it is about identity and survival.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) released its final list following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on February 28, 2026, confirming a total of 70,816,630 voters in West Bengal. However, many workers in Kamathipura allege that the revision process has been flawed.
Concerns of Targeted Deletion
Interviews with workers awaiting transport to West Bengal reveal a deep-seated anxiety regarding the SIR report. Many believe their absence during the revision period has already put their status at risk.
“We are strong supporters of the TMC and Mamata Didi,” shared one worker at a local terminal. “I fear my name was intentionally flagged for deletion during the Special Intensive Revision. If I do not show up to vote this time, I may be removed from the list permanently.”
The sentiment among the community is one of targeted exclusion. Key concerns raised by the departing workers and local advocates include:
Fear of Permanent Removal: A widespread belief that skipping this election cycle will provide grounds for the ECI to strike their names from the registry.
Allegations of Bias: Community members expressed dissatisfaction with the 2026 SIR report, with some claiming that the Election Commission is disproportionately targeting minority communities and migrant workers.
Demand for Re-evaluation: There is a growing call for a fresh SIR report to be conducted to reinstate names that were omitted or incorrectly flagged before the April 23 polling date.
Impact on Kamathipura
The exodus is so pronounced that parts of Kamathipura—traditionally one of Asia’s largest red-light areas—are reportedly seeing a massive dip in population. For these women, the cost of the train ticket and the loss of daily wages in Mumbai are secondary to the risk of losing their citizenship rights in their home state.
Mr. Fareed noted that the upcoming Assembly election holds great significance for the Bengali community, prompting both sex workers and laborers to travel back to West Bengal to exercise their franchise.
One worker from Kamathipura expressed strong support for the BJP, citing impactful development in the Darjeeling and Siliguri regions. “I have booked my tickets and will be leaving this Saturday to cast my vote,” she stated.
Electoral Data at a Glance
Category Details
Total Voters (WB) 7,08,16,630 (As of Feb 28, 2026)
Election Dates April 23 & April 29, 2026
Results Date May 4, 2026
Key Migrant Districts Malda, Nadia, Murshidabad, Kolkata
Assembly Seats 294
As the first phase of polling nears, the pressure on the Election Commission to address these grievances continues to mount. For the residents of Kamathipura, the trip to West Bengal is a desperate bid to ensure their voices—and their legal identities—remain intact.
