Political Tensions Rise Over Tea Garden destruction Allegations in North Bengal
In a heated session of the West Bengal Assembly,BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh accused the state government of failing to protect tea gardens and illegally selling land. This accusation has sparked meaningful controversy, particularly concerning the impact on indigenous families who have long relied on these gardens for their livelihoods.Ghosh highlighted the destruction of a tea garden in Tufanganj, Koch Bihar, claiming it is a vital source of income for local tribal communities. In response, Labor Minister Moloy Ghatak challenged Ghosh to provide evidence of these claims, suggesting that if he has any videos or documents, they should be sent for appropriate action. Ghatak defended the government’s record, stating that since 2011, the living standards of tea workers have improved significantly, with wages rising from ₹67 to ₹250. He also noted that families receive 35 kg of rice for free, contrasting this with Assam, where only 20 kg is provided at a cost.
Ghosh countered by recalling a similar incident in 2022,where he had presented evidence of a tea garden’s destruction,yet claimed no action had been taken by the minister in the three years as. This ongoing dispute underscores the complex interplay of politics, local livelihoods, and the rights of indigenous communities in West Bengal’s tea industry.
