Agartala: Dec 04: The Tripura Women’s Federation (TWF) has strongly protested the decision to transform Pushpavanta Palace into a five-star hotel. The organization organized a protest march in Agartala, which began at Vivekananda Maidan, moved through several city streets, and ended with a sit-in outside the Circuit House. The protestors made it clear that they oppose the construction of a hotel at this historic site.
Pushpavanta Palace, built in 1917 by Maharaja Virendra Kishore Manikya Bahadur, is an important symbol of Tripura’s royal heritage. It served as the Raj Bhavan until 2018, when the administrative functions were relocated. Recently, it was reported on social media that the state government plans to convert this iconic palace into a luxury five-star hotel. The TWF voiced their concerns, arguing that this decision would erase a vital part of Tripura’s history.
A leader of the federation highlighted that the palace holds immense cultural and historical value for the people of Tripura. The decision to turn it into a hotel, she argued, would not only alter its character but also strip it of its royal legacy. Moreover, changing the name of such an important landmark, as would likely occur with this transformation, is seen as deeply disrespectful to the memory of Maharaja Virendra Kishore Manikya.
The TWF called on the state government to reconsider its plans and instead preserve the palace as a historical monument. They emphasized that Pushpavanta Palace should be protected for future generations as a symbol of Tripura’s royal past, rather than being commercialized. The protest reflects the widespread concern over the potential loss of important cultural landmarks in the face of modernization.
