Assam Assembly Election 2026: How tea tribe's vote shapes political landscape

Thousands of tea garden workers in Upper Assam's expansive tea estates carry on a custom that has influenced the area's economy and culture for many generations. However, their long-standing demands have once again gained political attention as the state approaches elections.

In Assam, especially in constituencies in Upper Assam, the Tea Tribe, also referred to as tea-garden communities, constitutes a sizable portion of the electorate. These days, political narratives and campaign tactics are influenced by their concerns, which range from wages to social recognition.