BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 24th December 2025: State Congress spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty today alleged that the so-called agricultural and industrial reforms under the Modi government’s “New India” agenda have pushed farmers and workers across the country into a deep economic crisis, making the future of the youth increasingly uncertain.
He claimed that the impact of these policies is now becoming clearly visible in the state as well.
Addressing a press conference, Chakraborty said that despite multiple publicity-driven programmes and advertisements by the Chief Minister and concerned state ministers, the ground reality can no longer be concealed. He pointed out that recent government initiatives and campaigns surrounding the state’s traditional tea industry have sparked fresh controversy.
Referring to events such as “Run for Tea” and other slogan-based promotional programmes organised annually with much fanfare, Chakraborty alleged that serious problems are emerging in large and old tea gardens. He claimed that interference by influential ruling party leaders, allegedly backed by the government, has increased significantly.
He also criticised the state Agriculture Minister’s initiative to plant palm and mango trees in tea gardens as part of what has been described as agricultural development. According to him, such measures could prove disastrous for the tea industry.
Chakraborty noted that for decades, tea gardens traditionally used eucalyptus, banana, siris (kadai), and other trees suitable for local soil conditions, which were also economically beneficial. However, he questioned whether any scientific study had been conducted to assess the suitability of mango or palm trees for tea plantations. He said neither tea workers, small and large tea producers, nor the general public had been informed about any such assessment.
Citing discussions with agricultural and horticulture experts, the Congress spokesperson claimed that palm varieties absorb surface water rapidly, which could reduce soil fertility. This, he warned, may have a severe negative impact on tea production.
He further alleged that since 2018, the Tea Development Board has remained largely inactive in matters related to industry development and labour welfare. Instead, he claimed, its focus has shifted towards extending benefits to corporate entities. Chakraborty alleged that this has resulted in personal financial gains for certain individuals linked to the government and ruling alliance.
Highlighting legal concerns, Chakraborty referred to the Land Reforms Act of 1960, which prohibits any construction in tea gardens other than tea factories and workers’ housing. Despite this, he alleged that palm, coconut, areca nut, and even cannabis cultivation is taking place in tea gardens with the collusion of the government and local mafias. He recalled that in the past, when attempts were made to convert tea gardens into rubber plantations by declaring tea unprofitable, the state government was forced to intervene through legislation.
Political observers believe that these developments are not isolated incidents but part of a broader policy framework of the BJP-led “triple-engine” government. According to the Congress, this aligns with the Modi government’s alleged strategy of transferring key national assets to domestic and foreign corporate interests. Chakraborty claimed that this policy has been implemented in the state since 2018.
Meanwhile, questions have also been raised regarding the role of Patanjali Trust, a corporate group allegedly close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chakraborty claimed that the quality of Patanjali’s medicines and food products has been questioned by several High Courts and the Supreme Court, with directions issued in multiple cases. He further stated that Patanjali, once a supplier of food and medicines to India’s military and paramilitary forces, has reportedly lost those contracts following court observations.
