Darjeeling remains unaffected as election fever grips nation

While the election fever is gripping the nation, Darjeeling remains unaffected by it. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

The condition of tea gardens and plantations in Darjeeling present a picture of deprivation as three tea gardens have shut down and the workers are yet to receive their dues. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

The workers have lost their faith in the Hill leaders as well as the mainstream political parties. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

One of the workers at Peshak tea garden, Nanda Tamang, said that they are dying of hunger and the government is busy with elections. On being asked which party they would support in the upcoming elections, Tamang and another worker Nanda said that they would abstain from voting this time. If at all they vote, they will press the NOTA button. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

Dakbangla residents Sikma and Sangeeta Tamang, said the government had promised in 2a monthly fixed income of Rs 2000 in 2018 but they are yet to receive a single penny. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

Tamang said the workers have worked hard to make Darjeeling tea famous but if the political parties don't do anything, the vast tea gardens will soon be converted into barren lands. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)