Agartala, February 24, 2026: Reiterating that development of the common people remains the sole priority of the present government, Tripura Chief Minister Professor Dr. Manik Saha on Monday said that the opposition has failed to acknowledge the visible progress of the state. He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Pond Revival and Beautification Project at Ward No. 43 of Pratapgarh Rishi Colony under the Agartala Municipal Corporation.

“The current government truly believes in development. There is nothing but development for the welfare of common people. Unfortunately, the opposition cannot see Tripura’s progress,” the Chief Minister remarked, adding sharply that critics were “wearing black glasses” to ignore development works.

Dr. Saha said the foundation stone of the pond project was laid in March 2024 and completed within the stipulated time, reflecting the government’s commitment to timely execution. Referring to the recent visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Agartala, the Chief Minister said nearly 3,000 representatives from across India, including the Northeast, had participated in a national programme and were “deeply impressed by Tripura’s development.”

“Agartala can rightly be called the Gateway of Tripura. Despite limited accommodation, the people of Tripura showcased their tradition of warm hospitality,” he said, adding that many delegates visited tourist destinations across the state.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, Dr. Saha said it had accelerated development in the Northeast. He noted that under the Amrit Sarovar initiative, Tripura has constructed about 682 ponds to conserve groundwater, exceeding expectations.

Taking a swipe at past regimes, the Chief Minister said, “In the last one year alone, projects worth over Rs 1,300 crore have been inaugurated or launched. Our vision is to uplift the last person in society.”

On women empowerment, he said Tripura has achieved nearly 95 per cent of its target under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, aligning with the vision reiterated recently by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Dr. Saha also spoke about urban development, stating that beautification of Agartala is underway, the Eastern Ring Road work has begun, and approval for the Western Ring Road is awaited to ease traffic congestion.

The programme was attended by Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, South Zone Chairman Abhijit Mallick, Urban Development Secretary Milind Ramteke, Director Megha Jain, AMC Additional Commissioner Mihir Gope, social worker Asim Bhattacharya, and other public representatives.