Poll bug bites migrant workers in Kerala

The election fever gripping Kerala seems to have spread to thousands of migrant workers in the state, with many of them planning to travel to their home states to vote.
Kerala has about 2.5 million migrant workers, mostly from eastern states like West Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa. They are mostly engaged in the construction sector and infrastructure works like building roads and bridges.
Many workers living in a labour camp in the city said they had already booked tickets to their native states to join their family on the day of polling.
"We have booked the train tickets and are eagerly waiting to cast our vote," said Chamatkarmandal, who hails from Sanyhata village in the eastern region of West Bengal.

During their free time they also debate the issues in their home state and the possible outcome of the elections, said Chamatkar,a supporter of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
As many as 60 people stay in a packed hall but said they are happy about the working conditions and general atmosphere of Kerala.
"We are happy about the working and living conditions in Kerala and we get remunerative wages. The local people are also quite friendly," said Dhananjaymandal, also from West Bengal.