Agartala, 7th September 2026 : Questions have been raised over the preparedness and coordination of the Kamalasagar traditional Bhadra Mela after the chairperson of the Mela Committee and local MLA, Antara Deb Sarkar, remained absent from two consecutive preparatory meetings convened ahead of the festival.
The traditional Bhadra Mela is scheduled to be held on September 10 and 11 at Kamalasagar and attracts a large number of pilgrims, visitors and traders from different parts of Tripura as well as neighbouring states.
A preparatory meeting was convened on September 2 by Mela Committee Chairperson Antara Deb Sarkar to discuss arrangements for ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the fair. However, she was reportedly absent from the meeting, following which the Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) conducted the meeting with the officials and members present.
A second meeting was convened on Monday, September 7, but the chairperson was again absent. According to sources, Sarkar is currently in New Delhi attending a programme of the National Commission for Women.
Her repeated absence has triggered criticism and questions among various sections, with some questioning whether the meeting could have been scheduled on a date when the chairperson was available, given the importance and scale of the traditional fair.
The Monday meeting at the Kamalasagar Cafeteria auditorium was attended by Bishalgarh Block Development Officer Nantu Ranjan Deb, Bishalgarh Block Chairperson Atasi Das, Panchayat Samiti member Kajal Sarkar and a few other representatives.
Sources also claimed that several departments listed in the official communication were not properly invited, resulting in the absence of many officials. Departments and agencies mentioned in the communication reportedly included the District Magistrate, SDM, SDFO, Tourism Department, SDO, Electricity Department, DWS, Fisheries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Madhupur Police Station, Fire and Emergency Services and Bishalgarh Police Station.
The absence of representatives from several key departments during the initial stages of preparation has raised concerns about coordination, security, traffic management, emergency services and other essential arrangements during the fair.
There are also allegations that despite being the chairperson of the Mela Committee, Antara Deb Sarkar has not yet fully delegated responsibilities to other members, while she herself has remained absent from the consecutive meetings. Sources fear that such a situation could lead to confusion and lack of coordination during the event.
Meanwhile, local residents and pilgrims have urged the administration and Mela Committee to ensure that all necessary arrangements are completed well in advance so that the Kamalasagar Bhadra Mela can preserve its traditional character and be conducted safely and smoothly on September 10 and 11.
