BJP’s Manoj Tigga vs. TMC’s Prakash Chik Baraik

The BJP has fielded MLA Manoj Tigga from Alipurduar, while the TMC has pinned its hopes on Prakash Chik Baraik, a popular name within the tea gardens. With more than 300 tea gardens in North Bengal and thousands of laborers toiling there for years, the stakes are high. But what factors will sway their votes?

The Laborers’ Struggles

Shutdowns and Challenges

Tea garden laborers face significant challenges due to recent shutdowns. Over 10 tea gardens have been closed recently, and some others are in a pitiable condition. While the tea gardens of Darjeeling attract tourists with their mesmerizing views, the reality behind the scenes is one of sweat, pain, and uncertainty.

The Changing Political Landscape

From Left to TMC to BJP

In the past, the Left held a strong presence in these tea gardens, followed by a brief dominance by the TMC. However, over the last two elections, tea garden laborers have shifted their allegiance to the BJP. Since 2019, the BJP has made inroads into tea garden areas, especially among laborers from tribal communities. Their votes played a crucial role in the BJP’s victories in Jalpaiguri and Alipur.

Mamata Banerjee’s Efforts

Warming Up to the Laborers

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made efforts to connect with the laborers. She spent nearly a week in North Bengal, visiting tea gardens, meeting laborers, and even dancing with them. Mamata raised concerns about the Tea Board’s new regulation, which restricts leaf factories to buying only laboratory-certified tea leaves from small sellers. She argued that this would lead to “huge problems” and urged owners not to proceed with it.

Narendra Modi’s Perspective

Tea Gardens and TMC Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the issue during a rally. He highlighted the dire condition of West Bengal’s tea gardens, contrasting it with the luxurious lifestyles of TMC leaders residing in bungalows.

The Wind at Tea Gardens

Voices from the Ground

News18 visited two tea gardens in North Bengal to gauge the pulse of the workers. Amidst discontent and uncertainty, an old lady named Etwa Orao cryptically remarked, “The wind is blowing in both directions this time.” The political winds are shifting, and the tea garden laborers hold the power to decide which way they blow.

In this electoral tussle, the tea gardens remain a microcosm of larger political dynamics. As the ballots are cast, the fate of North Bengal’s tea gardens hangs in the balance, swayed by promises, grievances, and the ever-changing winds of politics