Shilpi Neha Tirkey, a minister from Jharkhand, on Friday launched a strong attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Assam, alleging that people—particularly those in tea garden areas—feel “betrayed” due to unfulfilled promises and policies that have impacted their livelihoods.
During her visit to Dibrugarh and nearby areas, Tirkey said that despite being in power for a decade, the BJP has failed to meet its commitments. She claimed that several laws and policies introduced over the years have weakened the tea garden economy rather than strengthening it.
She further alleged that many of these measures were designed to benefit select businesses and corporate groups. According to her, people in tea estates are aware of these developments and are increasingly dissatisfied with the ground situation.
Raising local concerns, Tirkey said land is being acquired in multiple tea garden areas for oil exploration without adequate compensation or rehabilitation. She also pointed to environmental issues, alleging that such activities are causing pollution and harming the natural ecosystem of tea estates, thereby affecting workers’ lives.
The minister also claimed that allowing commercial activities within tea estates has resulted in job losses and displacement of labourers. She said these changes are gradually impacting Assam’s identity, which has long been associated with its tea industry.
Referring to the political sentiment, Tirkey said many people are now seeking change. She expressed confidence in the Indian National Congress and mentioned Gaurav Gogoi as a leader in whom people are placing their hopes.
Assam is scheduled to go to the polls in a single phase on April 9 for all 126 seats. While the BJP and its allies are aiming for a third consecutive term, the Congress and its alliance partners are looking to gain ground by focusing on key issues affecting voters across the state.
