Agartala: Tripura Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jitendra Choudhuri on Thursday criticized the ongoing controversy surrounding Pushpabanta Palace, accusing the Tipra Motha Party of leveraging the issue to stir emotional sentiments among the indigenous community.
Choudhuri alleged that Tipra Motha had turned the palace into a political tool rather than genuinely preserving the state’s history and culture. “We have multiple buildings and royal-era infrastructure in the state, such as Manikya Court and Malancha Nivas, which have been converted into marriage banquet halls without any objections. Yet, suddenly all focus has shifted to Pushpabanta Palace. This shows that Tipra Motha leaders are not concerned about the state’s heritage but are focused on creating new narratives to keep their workers engaged and ensure their political survival,” said Choudhuri.
Speaking at the divisional conference of the CPIM Mohanpur Committee, Choudhuri branded the accord between Tipra Motha Party and the Government of India as mere “lip service.” He claimed, “Nowhere in the one-page accord do we find mention of Greater Tipraland. What we witnessed in the name of ‘Fast Unto Death’ was high-octane drama. After a series of pre-planned theatrics, the so-called accord was signed, but we are yet to see any tangible outcomes.”
The senior CPIM leader further accused Tipra Motha of playing a key role in helping the BJP secure victory in the last assembly elections and claimed the party is now seeking an “escape route.”
Choudhuri urged CPIM workers to capitalize on the growing public discontent with the ruling BJP-led government. Highlighting widespread grievances, he said, “Road blockades and protests for basic amenities like water, adequate doctors in hospitals, teachers in schools, and employment opportunities for youth have become a common sight. The resentment against the ruling dispensation is visible in these spontaneous protests. Our task is to channel these localized issues into a broader political voice at the central level.”
He encouraged party workers to reinvigorate CPIM’s presence across Tripura by addressing these local issues and mobilizing public discontent to strengthen the party’s foothold in the state.
This divisional conference comes amid a growing political tussle in Tripura, where questions of identity, development, and heritage remain key issues shaping the political narrative.
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