Guwahati: Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president Hemant Soren on Friday stressed the historical challenges faced by Assam's Adivasi tea garden communities.

JMM has fielded 21 candidates, including two in Tinsukia, Jarnel Minz from Margherita and Bharat Nayak from Digboi, while Munna Karmakar's nomination from Makum was rejected.

He described their situation as a matter of rights, identity, and constitutional recognition during the ongoing campaign for the April 9 Assam Assembly elections.

Soren noted that the tea garden communities contributed significantly to Assam's development but have had limited access to land rights, education, and social recognition.

Addressing crowds at multiple rallies, including at Rajgarh Tea Estate in Dibrugarh and other locations in upper Assam, Soren referred to the colonial-era migration of Adivasi labourers from the Chhotanagpur region to Assam's plantations.

He added that despite decades of independence, socio-economic conditions such as low wages, healthcare access, education, and land security remain areas of concern for the community, which is estimated at 60-70 lakh.

The JMM leader advocated for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Assam's tea tribes, citing the difference in benefits compared to similar communities in Jharkhand.

He questioned the continued challenges faced by these communities and described the issue as significant in the context of India's democratic framework.

Soren emphasized that the campaign extends beyond politics, focusing on securing constitutional rights and recognition for Adivasi communities.