BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 1st December 2025: The Tripura opposition has criticised the state government’s decision to rename Raj Bhavan as Lok Bhavan, arguing that simply changing the name will not improve people’s lives.
Announcing the change on December 31, Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu said the new name would take effect from December 1. The move has drawn mixed responses from opposition parties.
CPI(M) state secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhary said that while the renaming was “appropriate,” it must be backed by meaningful action.He noted that a building called Lok Bhavan should function as a genuine platform for citizens to voice their grievances.
“Names alone do not bring change. Lok Bhavan must practically serve the public. In Tripura, the government behaves arrogantly, leaving no space for ordinary people to be heard. The Governor’s office should not mirror the government; it should respond to people’s concerns,” Chaudhary said.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with Governor Nallu, claiming he has not been given the customary courtesy extended to the Leader of the Opposition.
“Previously, I was invited to every event. This Governor neither meets nor speaks with me. I don’t blame him personally, but renaming will not solve anything unless the institution becomes accessible and responsive,” he added.
Congress MLA and former minister Sudip Roy Barman, on the other hand, sharply criticised the BJP government, accusing it of using name changes to divert public attention.
“What is the benefit of renaming Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan? Nobody gains anything. The Raj Bhavan, which should act as a constitutional watchdog, has become a political tool for the ruling party,” he alleged.
He further said the Governor has failed to respond to issues like corruption, violence, and lawlessness. Calling the move a “distraction tactic,” Barman argued that such cosmetic changes have been the BJP’s habit for more than a decade.
“If a name change brings benefit to the people, we will welcome it. But if not, it only serves to hide failures. If the government believes the word ‘Raj’ is the issue, then they should rename Rajneeti to Lok Neeti as well,” he remarked.
