Wed Feb 26 20:00:00 UTC 2025: **Darjeeling MP Threatens Protest Over West Bengal’s Tea Garden Land Allocation**

KOLKATA, INDIA – February 27, 2025 – Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and MLA Neeraj Zimba met with West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Wednesday to protest the state government’s plan to allocate 30% of tea garden land for tourism and other purposes. Bista, a two-time BJP MP, claims the decision is illegal and threatens agitation in North Bengal if the plan proceeds.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the plan earlier this month during the Bengal Global Business Summit. While she assured that tea cultivation would not be disrupted, Bista argues that the land allocation surpasses the scale of previous land acquisitions in Singur and Nandigram, impacting a significant amount of land previously unused.

The Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity, a tea garden workers’ union, also voiced strong opposition. The union warns that the policy could displace workers who have lived on the land for generations, destroying communities and historical ties. They argue that the tea industry is already struggling and that tourism projects cannot replace the employment generated by tea plantations. The union calls for government support in reviving the tea industry instead of diverting land. The Governor has assured the MPs that he will investigate their concerns.

Read More