September 26, 2024: In a significant political move, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has reached out to his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma, advocating for the recognition of tea tribes as Scheduled Tribes (ST). In his letter, Soren emphasized the marginalized status of this community, which he argues has made vital contributions to Assam's economy.

Soren highlighted that the tea tribes, numbering approximately seven million and currently classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) in Assam, continue to face numerous challenges. The community, comprising various ethnic groups including Santhali, Kuruk, Munda, and Oraon, has its roots in Jharkhand, where many of their ancestors migrated to Assam during the colonial era to work in tea plantations.

"Despite their significant contributions, the tea tribes remain underprivileged," Soren stated, urging the Assam government to reconsider their classification. He stressed that granting ST status would not only acknowledge their historical significance but also enhance their socio-economic standing.

This appeal comes against a backdrop of political tension, as Sarma, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been critical of the Soren-led coalition government in Jharkhand. Sarma has accused the alliance of failing to address tribal demographic changes, alleging that the influx of Bangladeshi migrants has impacted local populations.

Soren's letter adds another layer to the ongoing political discourse in the region, particularly as Jharkhand approaches elections.