Agartala: Dec 05: Tipra Motha is creating a drama over the old Raj Bhavan (palace) and Pushpavanta Palace, according to the Leader of the Opposition, Jitendra Chaudhury. Speaking at the fourth Mohonpur subdivision conference of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) held in Bamutia Berimur on Thursday, Chaudhury claimed that the real reason behind Motha’s opposition is to divert the attention of the people of Tripura, especially the tribal people.
Chaudhury questioned why Motha is opposed to the old Raj Bhavan when there are several other wedding venues in the state like Malancha Nivas and Manikya Court. He suggested that Motha’s actions are an attempt to distract from their failure to fulfill promises made to the tribals regarding Greater Tipraland.
He accused the party leadership of making a deal with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the last Lok Sabha elections, without addressing the interests of the tribals. Chaudhury pointed out that no meetings have been held regarding the terms of the agreement for the benefit of the tribals, and no representative from Delhi has visited the state.
Chaudhury further criticized Motha for not fulfilling any promises made to the tribals and accused them of using the old Raj Bhavan issue to capture power. He stated that the opposition CPI(M) has no objection to any five-star hotel being built in Tripura, as long as it protects the interests of the tribals. He questioned why two cabinet members, Animesh Debbarma and Brishketu Debbarma, did not protest the decision to hand over the old Raj Bhavan to the Taj Group.
Addressing the government, Chaudhury said that before handing over such a historical place to a private entity, an advertisement should be published in the newspaper, opinions of people involved in the cultural world should be taken, and a public hearing should be held. He criticized the government for not fulfilling its duties properly and claimed that people are dissatisfied and have no faith in the government.
Chaudhury also commented on the BJP’s membership drive, noting that even the Chief Minister has joined the drive, but those with whom the Chief Minister took pictures have joined another party two days later. He described this as the internal democratic process of the BJP.
Among others present at the meeting were Ratan Das, Secretary of the CPI(M) West District Committee, former MLA Pabitra Kar, and other leaders of the subdivision committee.