In a bid to reclaim its dominance in the North Bengal tea belt, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has made a major pre-poll announcement. During a massive rally organized for the filing of nomination papers, the party leadership promised to increase the daily wages of tea garden workers to ₹300.

The tea-growing regions of Dooars and Terai are strategically crucial for the 2026 Assembly Elections. Recognizing the long-standing demand of the workers, the TMC has positioned this wage hike as a top priority. Currently, the wage issue is a sensitive point of contention between the ruling party and the opposition. By pledging a fixed ₹300 daily rate, the TMC aims to secure the support of lakhs of plantation workers. Political analysts suggest this move is designed to counter the BJP’s influence in the northern districts. Whether this “₹300 promise” converts into votes remains to be seen as the election fever peaks.