Assembly Debate over Royal Family’s Invitation at Temple Redevelopment Event; Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury & CM Dr Manik Saha Clarifies

23rd September 2025

Abhijit Nath, NET Correspondent, Tripura

Agartala, September 23, 2025: A question over the absence of the royal family at the inauguration of the redeveloped Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 22 stirred discussions in the state Assembly, Agartala on Tuesday.

TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) MLA Biswajit Kalai asked why no member of the Raj Paribar (Royal Family) was invited to the historic ceremony.

Responding to the query, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury clarified that the state government had indeed included names of royal family members, along with three MPs and other dignitaries, in the guest list prepared under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. However, he pointed out that the Prime Minister’s Office later issued a revised list from Delhi’s South Block, which featured East Tripura MP Kriti Devi Debbarma of the royal family and Minister Animesh Debbarma of TIPRA Motha Party.

“There is no question of neglect. The government took all necessary steps to ensure representation of the royal family in the programme,” Chowdhury said.

The matter was later discussed in the House by TMP MLA Ranjit Debbarma, Congress MLA Birajit Sinha Minister Animesh Debbarma, Minister Ratan Lal Nath, and the Chief Minister.

MLA Debbarma said, “I had a telephonic conversation with Maharaja Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on the morning of September 22, as he was outside the state. From him, I came to know that he did not receive any invitation. Even the Rajmata was also not invited.”

Responding to this, Minister Nath clarified, “We had prepared a detailed list of dignitaries to be present at MBB Airport, Palatana, and Mata Tripura Sundari Temple to welcome and greet Prime Minister Modi. However, in the end, South Block made changes according to their protocol, as the Prime Minister’s visit was only to offer puja and inaugurate the temple redevelopment project. There was no question of a speech or any other programme.”

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Birajit Sinha questioned why Opposition MLAs were excluded from the event, asking, “Is this temple meant only for the ruling party?”

Finally, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha clarified, “The Prime Minister came to Tripura solely to offer prayers at Mata Tripura Sundari Temple. Had he been scheduled to address a public meeting, everyone would certainly have been invited without any doubt.”