Dibrugarh (Assam) [India], April 3 (ANI): Jharkhand Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey on Friday alleged that people in Assam feel “betrayed” by the BJP government, claiming that promises made over the last decade have not been fulfilled and that policies introduced during this period have adversely impacted tea gardens in the region.
Speaking to ANI during her visit to Dibrugarh and nearby areas, Tirkey said, “I have been visiting Dibrugarh and nearby areas, and I can say that people here feel betrayed by the BJP. None of the promises made by the government has been fulfilled, while new laws and policies have been introduced that weaken the tea estates in the region.”
Alleging that policy decisions were taken to benefit select interests, Tirkey said, “In the last 10 years, many policies, rules, and laws have been brought in this state to weaken the tea gardens, solely to benefit the BJP’s business and corporate friends. The people here understand all these things.”
Highlighting concerns raised by locals, she said, “When you go to a tea garden, people themselves say that land is being acquired for oil excavation in many places without following displacement or compensation policies.”
The Jharkhand Minister further alleged environmental and livelihood impacts, stating, “Due to harmful pollution caused by oil excavation, the natural character of the entire tea garden is being damaged. In many places, the BJP government made a law that you can now carry out commercial activities in tea gardens as well, only to benefit their business friends.”
Tirkey claimed that such developments are affecting workers, saying, “Because of these commercial activities, many tea garden labourers are losing their jobs and getting displaced.”
Emphasising the political implications, she said, “The core foundation of the state, which was the identity of tea gardens and tea, is under threat from this BJP rule. This is the reason why people have made up their minds that they want a change this time.”
Backing the Congress, Tirkey added, “They are definitely looking for a clean government option in Congress, in the face of Gaurav Gogoi.”
Her remarks come amid heightened political activity in Assam ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, with parties intensifying their outreach in tea garden areas, a key electoral constituency in the state.
Assam is set to go into single-phase elections on April 9 on 126 seats across the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party, in alliance with Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front, aims to retain power for the third consecutive time.
On the other hand, Congress is challenging the BJP-led alliance with a six-party bloc including Congress, Assam Jati Parishad (AJP), Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference.
The counting of votes will take place on May 4. (ANI)