By TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th December 2024: Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has strongly countered former Chief Minister and CPI(M) Politburo member Manik Sarkar’s comments regarding the Promo Fest-2024.
In a press conference held at Geetanjali Tourism Guest House here on Saturday afternoon, Chowdhury accused Sarkar of making misleading statements to maintain his political relevance.
Sarkar had criticized the expenditure of seven crore rupees on Promo Fest-2024 during a function at Agartala Town Hall on the 80th Public Education Day. Responding to these remarks, Chowdhury said, “Such comments are unbecoming of a former Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) Politburo member. Manik Sarkar has lied and his statements are misleading. He has become politically bankrupt.”
Chowdhury further elaborated, “During the 20 years of CPI(M) rule, the Tourism Department was virtually non-existent. It was a hideout for the red-capped men, whose job was to provide comrade artists to sing mass songs at CPI(M) public meetings. The CPM never played a positive role in promoting the Tourism Department to the world.”
He added, “During the Left period, tourists were afraid to visit remote tourist centers like Jampui, Dumbur and Chabimura due to the fear of extremists and kidnappings. The government cannot tolerate the success of Promo Fest-2024 and the appreciation it has garnered from the common people. The CPIM’s false propaganda has led to their loss of acceptance among the public.”
Chowdhury’s remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions and the contrasting perspectives on the state’s tourism development. The minister’s rebuttal underscores the government’s commitment to promoting tourism and countering misinformation.
