Tea garden land policy sparks political storm in Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari opposes Bengal's tea land policy, warns of job losses; BJP vows reversal if elected

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, during his visit to Subhasini Tea Garden in Alipurduar today, met with Adivasi and Gorkha leaders in the tea plantations. Highlighting the state government's Gazette notification allowing 30 per cent of tea land for commercial use, Mr Adhikari warned: "There will be no tea or plantations left; only hotels and restaurants."

Local leaders submitted a memorandum urging the Central government to intervene and halt the state's move. In response, Mr Adhikari said that if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, all such issues will be resolved within six months.

"If Mamata Banerjee comes to power in 2026, she will sell out all tea plantations. If we come to power, both employment and industry will be provided," Mr Adhikari told reporters at Kalchini in Alipurduar today.

The visit underscored growing concerns over the potential loss of tea plantations and the livelihoods of workers, with Mr Adhikari pledging to protect the interests of the tea-growing communities.