The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) today alleged that the Modi government’s much-publicised “New India” agricultural and industrial reforms are pushing farmers and workers into severe economic distress, threatening livelihoods and the future of the youth.

Addressing a press conference in Agartala, TPCC spokesperson Prabir Chakraborty claimed that the impact of these policies is now clearly visible in Tripura, particularly in the state’s traditional tea sector.

Chakraborty said that despite high-profile publicity campaigns and repeated promotional programmes by the Chief Minister and concerned ministers, the actual condition of farmers and tea workers cannot be hidden any longer. He alleged that recent government-backed initiatives linked to the tea industry have triggered fresh controversies.

Referring to events such as the annual “Run for Tea” campaign and other slogan-based promotional programmes, Chakraborty claimed that serious problems are emerging in several large and old tea gardens across the state. He alleged that interference by influential leaders of the ruling party, allegedly with government backing, has increased significantly.

The Congress spokesperson also criticised the state Agriculture Minister’s initiative to plant palm and mango trees in tea gardens in the name of agricultural development. He warned that such steps could prove harmful to the tea industry.

Chakraborty pointed out that for decades, tea gardens in Tripura traditionally planted eucalyptus, banana, siris (kadai), and other trees that were well-suited to local soil conditions and also provided economic benefits. He questioned whether any scientific study had been conducted to assess the suitability of mango or palm trees in tea plantations.

“Neither tea workers, nor small and large tea producers, nor the general public have been informed about any scientific assessment,” he said.

Citing discussions with agricultural and horticulture experts, Chakraborty claimed that palm varieties absorb surface water at a rapid rate, which could reduce soil fertility and severely affect 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 providing benefits to corporate entities, resulting in alleged personal financial gains for individuals close to the government and the ruling alliance.

Raising legal concerns, Chakraborty referred to the Land Reforms Act of 1960, which prohibits construction in tea gardens except for 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 alleged 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 cultivation unviable, the state government was compelled to intervene through legislation.

Political observers say these developments reflect a broader policy approach of the BJP-led “triple-engine” government. The Congress alleged that this aligns with the Modi government’s strategy of transferring key national assets to domestic and foreign corporate interests, a policy it claims has been implemented in Tripura since 2018.

Chakraborty also raised questions over the role of Patanjali Trust, a corporate group allegedly close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

He 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 alleged that Patanjali, once a supplier to India’s military and paramilitary forces, has reportedly lost those contracts following court observations.