Congress leader Bandhu Tirkey on Thursday criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing his government of failing to address the pressing concerns of tea garden workers in the state.
Speaking at a public meeting in Biswanath district, Tirkey alleged that despite repeated assurances, the state government has not taken adequate steps to improve the living conditions of tea workers. He highlighted issues such as low wages, inadequate healthcare, lack of quality education, and poor social security provisions.
“The tea community continues to remain neglected even though it plays a vital role in Assam’s economy,” Tirkey said, adding that welfare measures announced by the government have not translated into real benefits on the ground.
He further accused the BJP-led government of prioritizing electoral gains over long-term development, urging voters to hold the leadership accountable in the upcoming Assembly elections.
The criticism comes at a time when tea garden workers are emerging as a key voter group in several constituencies. Their demands, including higher wages, land rights, and Scheduled Tribe status, have become central to the ongoing political discourse.
Meanwhile, the state government has maintained that it has undertaken multiple initiatives for tea workers, including wage hikes and welfare schemes. However, opposition parties continue to question the effectiveness and timing of these measures ahead of the polls.
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