Agartala, October 21:
Former Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP from West Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, on Monday announced that detailed proposals for the renovation and redevelopment of three major temples in South Tripura have been submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The total estimated cost of these projects stands at approximately ₹30 crore.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the Diwali festival at the Raj Rajeshwari Temple in Muhuripur, Deb said that the initiative aims to boost both cultural preservation and regional economic growth. “Just as the Tripura Sundari Temple has been redeveloped with modern infrastructure, similar projects have been proposed for the Raj Rajeshwari Temple, the Daitweswari Temple in Sabroom, and the Belonia Kalibari,” he said. Deb informed that a ₹10 crore project has been specifically proposed for the Raj Rajeshwari Temple alone.
Highlighting the broader significance of temple development, the MP said that religious sites not only serve as centres of devotion but also stimulate local economies. “Temples attract devotees from across the state, creating opportunities for small businesses and traders. Gradually, these places evolve into vibrant centres of commerce and cultural exchange,” he added.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, Deb accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of undermining the state’s spiritual and social harmony for political motives. “The Communists have always misled people for their own interests. They discouraged religious practices and treated party offices as social institutions. Their legacy includes ethnic tensions, violence, and the distortion of people’s belief systems,” he alleged.
Deb asserted that the proposed temple redevelopment projects will not only restore heritage structures but also strengthen the cultural and economic fabric of South Tripura, fostering tourism and employment opportunities for local communities.
