Jharkhand Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey accused the BJP government on January 31, 2026, of betraying the people of Assam by failing to fulfil promises and introducing policies that have harmed tea gardens in the region.
Addressing reporters during her visit to Dibrugarh and surrounding 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.”
She claimed that policy decisions over the last decade were designed to favour certain business and corporate interests linked to the BJP, stating, “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.”
Tirkey highlighted local concerns about land acquisition for oil excavation without adherence to displacement or compensation protocols, saying, “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.”
She further alleged environmental damage, asserting, “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.”
Regarding the impact on workers, Tirkey claimed, “Because of these commercial activities, many tea garden labourers are losing their jobs and getting displaced.”
Stressing the political consequences, she added, “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.”
She expressed support for the Congress party, noting, “They are definitely looking for a clean government option in Congress, in the face of Gaurav Gogoi.”
Tirkey’s comments come amid intensified political activity in Assam ahead of the assembly elections. Assam will hold single-phase elections on April 9, 2026, for 126 seats. The BJP, allied with Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People’s Front, seeks to retain power for a third consecutive term.
Opposing the BJP-led coalition, the Congress is contesting as part of a six-party alliance including Assam Jati Parishad, Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4, 2026.