HT Correspondent
AGARTALA, Sept 23: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects at the Mata Tripurasundari Temple Complex, the Tripura Legislative Assembly today saw heated exchanges, with the Congress and ruling ally Tipra Motha Party accusing the government of sidelining both the Opposition and members of the erstwhile royal family.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Tipra Motha MLA Pathan Lal Jamatia termed Monday a “historic day” for the state but questioned why scions of the Manikya dynasty were kept out of the ceremony.
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“The royal family has historic significance. In temples like Tripura Sundari, Durga Bari and the 13 Goddess Temple, rituals are still performed in the name of Maharaja Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma. Yet, he was not invited. I want to know why,” Jamatia said.
MLA Biswajit Kalai echoed the sentiment, claiming the absence of royal family members had hurt the Tiprasa community. Ranjit Debbarma, another Tipra Motha legislator, added, “When we feel proud of MBB Airport, it is unfortunate no royal was invited yesterday. This will remain a black chapter for the state.”
Responding to the allegations, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury clarified that the guest list was finalized by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), not the state government.
“Our East Tripura MP Kriti Devi Debbarma, elder sister of Pradyot, was included in the list but could not attend due to medical treatment. Several Tipra Motha leaders were present. As per protocol, the final list was approved by the PMO. The Opposition is trying to create controversy,” he said.
Forest Minister and Tipra Motha leader Animesh Debbarma also confirmed that the issue of royal family representation had been discussed.
“I had suggested inviting Raj Mata Bibhu Kumari Devi. Finally, the PMO decided to invite Kriti Devi Debbarma to represent the royal family,” he noted.
The Opposition, too, expressed discontent.
Congress MLA Birajit Sinha alleged political bias in the invitations, asking, “Is the event and the temple only for the BJP?”
Concluding the debate, Power and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath admitted that while the state had initially prepared a guest list, the PMO made the final changes.
“We never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments. If anyone feels hurt, it is truly painful. We must be more cautious in the future,” Nath said.
