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Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his day-long campaign in poll-bound Assam on Wednesday with a visit to the Manohari Tea Estate in Dibrugarh district reaching out to tea garden workers ahead of the Assembly elections.
Wearing a traditional gamusa, Modi plucked tea leaves alongside women workers, spoke to them about their daily lives, and took selfies. He spent nearly half an hour at the estate, listening to concerns on education, healthcare, and wages. He also witnessed cultural performances and joined workers in their routine of leaf plucking.
“Tea is the soul of Assam! The tea from here has made its way across the world,” Modi said on X. “This morning in Dibrugarh, I went to a tea garden and interacted with women working here. It was a very memorable experience.” He added: “We are very proud of the efforts of each and every tea garden family. Their hard work and perseverance have enhanced Assam’s pride.”
The visit comes days before the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9. It highlights the Bharatiya Janata Party’s focus on tea tribe communities, which form around 17% of the state’s population and have influence in 35–40 Assembly seats. Their vote share, often estimated at 14.02% in key constituencies, remains crucial in determining electoral outcomes.
These communities, descendants of labourers brought by British planters, have historically faced marginalisation despite contributing significantly to Assam’s tea industry.
Under the BJP-led governments, several welfare measures have been introduced. In March 2026, Modi distributed land pattas to tea workers across 106 gardens, benefiting over 3.5 lakh families. The move aimed to provide land ownership, access to credit, and improved living conditions. Wage increases, healthcare schemes, education initiatives, and job reservations have also been part of the outreach. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has assured continued support for the community.
Later in the day, Modi addressed a rally in Gogamukh in Dhemaji district. He linked his tea garden visit to the government’s development agenda, contrasting past Congress rule with what he described as progress under the BJP.
“This election is an opportunity to build a developed India, starting with a developed Assam,” he said, referring to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and connectivity projects. He also mentioned initiatives such as the upcoming semiconductor plant in Morigaon and schemes aimed at women.
Modi urged voters to support BJP candidates, including state minister Ranoj Pegu and Naba Kumar Doley, in the upcoming polls.
Tea tribe voters have played a decisive role in Assam politics. Once aligned with the Congress, many shifted towards the BJP after 2016, influenced by welfare schemes and targeted outreach. In Upper Assam, where several Lok Sabha seats and Assembly constituencies are located, their voting patterns remain significant.
However, demands for Scheduled Tribe status, better wages and improved living conditions continue to be raised.
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