Guv Bose slams Mamata for death of Bengal migrant worker in Chennai

KOLKATA: Expressing concern over the death of a migrant worker from West Bengal in Chennai due to alleged starvation, Governor CV Ananda Bose on Wednesday criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating that his "constitutional colleague was playing with human lives".

Bose's remarks come in the wake of the death of a migrant labourer from Purba Medinipur district, who succumbed due to 'starvation' in the Tamil Nadu capital on Monday.

He also expressed concern about the plight of the State's migrant workers, who face significant hardships in their search for livelihood.

"Is this the way Mamata Banerjee takes care of Daridra Narayan, dear to Gandhiji? Sabko Sanmati de Bhagwan," Bose asked.

Recently, several migrant workers had travelled to Chennai seeking jobs but were unable to secure any, according to a government source. One of the workers, Samar Khan, died on September 30, he added.

Khan's body is being sent back to Purba Medinipur district, while four others remain hospitalised, one in critical condition, an official said.

Bose said the state government should be "alive, sensitive, and responsive" to the plight of migrant workers who end up starving in other states.

"This is the plight of the people in Bengal. No jobs in their home state, they are forced to seek work elsewhere. The competent authorities leave them like orphans," a Raj Bhavan official said.

Also Read: One of 5 Bengal migrant workers who fainted at Chennai Central railway station passes away

Bose, who was in Kerala, travelled to Chennai and dispatched officials to assist those admitted to hospitals and placed in shelter homes.

Financial assistance was provided, and arrangements were made for their return to West Bengal, partly by flights and partly by trains, he added.

Bose urged the state government to implement effective measures to support migrant workers.