After TSF, Now YTF Opposes Tripura Govt’s Plan to Hand Over Pushpabanta Palace to Taj Group

“Is the Tripura government failing in its responsibility to manage and preserve its own historical heritage?” asked STF.

A day after the Tipra Students’ Federation (TSF) staged a protest in front of the Old Rajbari (Royal Palace) ppposing the Tripura government’s plan to hand over the Pushpabanta Palace to the Taj Group of Hotels to be converted into a five-star hotel, the Youth TIPRA Federation (YTF), the youth wing of the ruling Tipra Motha party today raised serious questions about the state’s ability to manage its historical monuments.

YTF representatives today took out a protest rally from Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala to outside the office of the District Magistrate and Collector of West Tripura Vishal Kumar and submitted a memorandum to him urging the government to reconsider its decision and explore alternative locations for the project.

Speaking to the media, YTF president Suraj Debbarma expressed concern over the government’s decision, pointing out that the District Magistrate and Collector of West Tripura, Vishal Kumar, had told them that the government was considering handing over the palace to the luxury hotel chain with the understanding that the Taj Group would also “manage” historical monuments in the state.

“Is the Tripura government failing in its responsibility to manage and preserve its own historical heritage?” asked Debbarma.

Debbarma clarified that YTF does not oppose development initiatives or the involvement of the Taj Group but stressed the importance of preserving the palace as a cultural and historical landmark.

“We are not against progress, but Pushpabanta Palace is a symbol of our heritage. It deserves to be protected as a cultural center, not converted into a commercial entity. No such historical places can be handed over to any hotel groups for business or to generate revenue. Why don’t Taj built a hotel in some other locations in Tripura,” he added.

Speaking to media, DM Vishal Kumar stated that as of now there is no official communication about leasing the palace to any private organization for hospitality purposes.

However, he assured the delegation that stakeholders would be consulted before any decision is made regarding the palace’s future.

The palace, built in 1917 by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya Debbarman Bahad, has long been a symbol of the state’s royal history. It served as the Governor’s House until 2018 before being earmarked for conversion into the Maharaj Birendra Kishore Manikya Museum and Cultural Centre.

However, recent reports have suggested that part of the palace may now be handed over to the TAJ Group, a luxury hotel chain, to be converted into a five-star hotel.

The issue has sparked a larger debate on the balance between development and heritage preservation, with many citizens and cultural organizations calling for the state government to rethink its decision.

Also Read: Tripura: TSF Oppose State Govt’s Plan to Hand Over Pushpabanta Palace to Private Hotel Group, Stage Protest

COMMENTS