Naxalbari, 22nd March: Shankar Malakar, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from the Matigara-Naxalbari constituency, has launched his election campaign prioritizing the concerns of tea garden workers, a strong political stronghold in the region.
Malakar emphasized issues related to provident fund (PF) and gratuity payments, which continue to affect the tea garden workers. On Sunday, he visited the Belgachi Tea Garden in Naxalbari accompanied by the District Chairman, the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad’s Sabhadhipati, and the INTTUC President. On this day, he also led a procession alongside the tea workers.
Addressing the gathering, Malakar alleged that tea workers are being deprived of their rightful benefits and are facing additional challenges, including the arbitrary deletion of their names from the SIR list. He further claimed that such actions have led to harassment within the community.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit North Bengal as part of the party’s campaign. She is expected to address a public gathering in Naxalbari on 24th March. Malakar expressed confidence that her visit and message would further energize the party workers and strengthen the campaign in the region.