Dibrugarh, March 25 -- Tea garden workers, one of the largest and most influential voter groups in Assam, are set to play a key role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming state Assembly polls, with livelihood concerns emerging as a central issue in tea-growing regions of Upper Assam.

Workers in tea estates around Dibrugarh said wages, rising prices and lack of basic facilities remain their primary concerns. Many workers said the daily wage of around Rs 250 is not sufficient to meet household expenses amid the increasing cost of living.

"We work in harsh conditions, under the sun and in the rain. It becomes very difficult as the garden areas develop pits and the ground turns slippery," said Deepanjali Manki, a tea garden worker.

"We ge...