Assam Congress President and Lok Sabha MP from Jorhat, Gaurav Gogoi today took a strong jibe at the BJP government over the condition of labourers in tea plantations and rural work sites. He asked why the labour protections that once secured the tea tribe and plantation workers are now being weakened under new labour laws.
Gogoi said that the Plantation Labour Act, which earlier protected the rights of workers in Assam’s tea gardens, is being diluted by the present government. He warned that if such laws are removed, landless workers and tea plantation families will lose support, wages and dignity.
The Congress leader expressed his gratitude to NSUI, Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, the social media team and other organisations for standing with labourers and villagers. He also thanked local leaders and union workers who continue to show solidarity. 
Speaking to villagers, Gogoi said almost 20 families in the area, including elders, youths, women, and in-laws, are struggling to live with dignity. He questioned the need to target those who think differently, and said that dissent was a natural part of democracy.
He alleged that police arrived in the village and detained one or two workers without any major provocation. He asked how young people will build houses, run small shops or earn livelihoods if they live in fear of such actions.
Gogoi said when minimum wages are taken away, families begin to ask how they will survive and raise children. He appealed to the government to protect minimum wages and labour rights instead of silencing voices.
He said the BJP claims it will stay in power for ten more years, yet unemployment is rising and youth with licences and qualifications are unable to find work. According to Gogoi, schools lack facilities, women struggle for safety and income, and farmers do not get fair prices.
He referred to MGNREGA, saying that the scheme was created to provide livelihood security during difficult times, but amendments made in Parliament have left workers helpless. He said many tea garden families and rural workers have already lost work days.
Gogoi also appreciated the Local Labour Commissioner, Dheep Khamada, for standing up for workers, and questioned government interference in labour disputes.
He said that labour unions must remain strong and that women workers, who are the backbone of tea plantations, should not be intimidated or weakened.
He recalled that even during protests by popular artist Zubeen Garg, the demand was that land and history belong to the people and workers, and not just businesses.
Gogoi warned that if exploitation continues and minimum wages remain low, people will eventually rise in protest. He emphasised that the fight of the tea tribe, plantation workers, women and youth is not just politics but a fight for livelihood and dignity.
