By TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th November 2024: Leader of the Opposition and CPIM State Committee Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury has voiced strong opposition to the Tripura government’s reported move to lease the historic Pushpabanta Palace to a private entity, calling for the immediate cancellation of the agreement. He urged the government to revive the original proposal of converting the palace into a Rabindra Smriti Kendra and a Children’s Cultural Center.
In a press release, Chaudhury expressed his shock over the alleged decision to hand over Pushpabanta Palace—formerly the Raj Bhavan—to a private company for use as a luxury hotel.
“Pushpabanta Palace is not just a heritage building but a symbol of Tripura’s historical and cultural legacy. It was the residence of the Lieutenant Governor after Tripura’s merger with India in 1949 and later served as the Governor’s house post-statehood in 1972. Moreover, its deep association with Poet Rabindranath Tagore adds immense value. Tagore stayed here during several of his visits to Tripura, and it is believed that his celebrated poem Bisarjan was inspired by his time at the palace,” Chaudhury said.
He criticized the BJP-Tipra Motha-IPFT coalition government for allegedly bypassing the original vision proposed by the Left Front government, which aimed to preserve the palace’s cultural heritage. Chaudhury pointed out that the Finance Commission had sanctioned ₹30 crore for constructing a new Raj Bhavan, contingent on the plan to develop Pushpabanta Palace into a Rabindra Smriti Kendra and a Children’s Cultural Center.
“It is disheartening that this government has ignored Tripura’s cultural roots and secretly entered into an agreement prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare. This decision erases a key part of our state’s history and cultural identity. I demand that the government cancel its agreement with the Tata Group and instead honor the original plan to develop the palace as a hub of cultural and educational activities,” Chaudhury emphasized.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with many raising concerns over preserving Tripura’s cultural landmarks.
