Agartala, December 1: The TIPRA Women Federation (TWF), the women’s wing of the ruling BJP alliance partner TIPRA Motha, has announced a sitting demonstration on Wednesday, December 4, in Agartala. The protest aims to oppose the state government’s plan to convert the century-old Pushpabanta Palace into a luxurious five-star hotel.
The federation urged the government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the cultural, historical, and emotional significance of the palace to the indigenous Tiprasa community.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Agartala by TWF leaders, including central president Monihar Debbarma, West district president Gita Debbarma, and Gomati district president Dolly Reang.
Addressing the media, Dolly Reang, who is also an Executive Member of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), criticized the government’s proposal and considered it as a threat to the identity and heritage of the Tiprasa people.
Reang voiced the concerns of the indigenous community, stating, “We are bound to protect our identity, our sentiments, and our heritage. The government’s plan to hand over Pushpabanta Palace to the Taj Group for revenue collection disregards the emotional and historical importance of the monument to the Tiprasa people.”
She emphasized that while the community is not against development, it should not come at the cost of erasing cultural history.
The TWF leaders condemned the government’s proposal and appealed to Chief Minister Manik Saha and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury to reconsider.
She said, “If you truly consider yourself a son of this state, we urge you to honor and preserve the legacy of Pushpabanta Palace.”
The leaders suggested that the palace could instead be repurposed as a library dedicated to Maharaja Birendra Kishore, preserving its historical significance while promoting education and knowledge.
The federation also proposed alternative locations for the hotel project, suggesting areas like Khumulwng or other barren lands across Tripura.
Reang questioned, “Why Pushpabanta Palace? Why not set up the hotel in a place that does not carry such historical weight?”
The TWF announced a demonstration along the VIP Road connecting the state capital to the airport and a sit-in protest near the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Circuit House area from 11 AM to 4 PM on December 4. The federation called upon other tribal women organizations and community members to join the protest in solidarity.
In response to mounting protests, Chief Minister Manik Saha clarified that the government has not finalized its decision regarding the project.
Saha assured that the existing structure of Pushpabanta Palace would not be demolished and that retrofitting work is underway. However, tribal organizations affiliated with TIPRA Motha remain unconvinced and have continued their demonstrations, viewing the plan as a direct threat to their cultural heritage.
Pushpabanta Palace, built during the reign of Maharaja Birendra Kishore, is one of Tripura’s most iconic royal monuments. After Tipura merged with India in 1949 it till 2018 was the Governor’s House after which was approved as Birendra Kishore Manikya Museum and Cultural Centre.
The palace holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Tiprasa people, making its preservation a priority for indigenous groups.
The protest by TWF adds to the growing chorus of opposition from various tribal organizations, highlighting a brewing conflict between development initiatives and cultural preservation in Tripura. The state government’s next steps will likely determine the trajectory of this contentious issue.
