Election Gimmick or Genuine Initiative? Land Rights Debate in Assam's Tea Gardens

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi called out the state government's timing in granting land rights to tea garden workers, labeling it an election tactic. He questioned the delayed intent and linked it to recent property acquisitions by the Chief Minister’s family. Gogoi announced December protests across tea districts.

Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, has raised critical questions about the state's recent move to grant land rights to tea garden workers, suggesting it could be an electoral ploy. Gogoi's remarks came during a Congress meeting, where he questioned the timing and sincerity of this political gesture.

He criticized the decision, asking why the government hadn't implemented it over the past decade, particularly under former or current chief ministerial leadership. Gogoi accused the Chief Minister and his family of amassing tea gardens, suggesting that genuine intentions to grant land rights would have precluded such acquisitions.

Furthermore, Gogoi demanded transparency regarding the tea gardens owned by the Chief Minister's family and urged the government to address social challenges facing tea workers. He announced upcoming protest plans across tea garden districts, starting December 10.

(With inputs from agencies.)