Kerala is facing a labor shortage as many migrant workers leave to vote in the upcoming elections in West Bengal and Assam. This situation has led to significant disruptions in industries such as construction and plywood manufacturing, which depend heavily on these workers. The state Labour Department reported that 4.39 lakh migrant workers registered with its Athidhi app, while 5.16 lakh are enrolled in a government health insurance scheme, although the actual number is believed to be much higher. A study indicates that 35.4% of migrant workers in Kerala come from West Bengal, followed by 15.9% from Odisha and 15.2% from Assam. With the elections approaching, many workers are returning home, fearing disenfranchisement due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This has led to a halt in construction activities, with firms like the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Limited reporting a drastic reduction in available workers, from 6,000 to 500. The plywood industry is similarly affected, with 70% of registered units halting production as they struggle with both labor shortages and material supply issues. Stakeholders express concern over the workers' return, as many may choose to stay in their villages for agricultural jobs after voting, complicating the labor situation further before the monsoon season begins in June.