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

TSF leaders urged the government to reconsider its decision and prioritize preserving the palace as a public heritage site.

In a strong show of dissent, the Tipra Students’ Federation (TSF) staged a protest in front of the Old Rajbari (Royal Palace) today voicing their opposition to the Tripura government’s plan to hand over the iconic Pushpabanta Palace to a private hotel group.

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.

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 proposal has sparked outrage among local residents and student groups, who consider the move as an attempt to commercialize a key heritage site.

The protestors accused the BJP-led state government in the state of undermining Tripura’s rich cultural and historical heritage drawing parallels to similar policies during the communist regime.

They said that the move undermines the state’s heritage and identity, emphasizing that historical sites like the palace should remain accessible to the public as symbols of Tripura’s legacy.

Speaking to media, TSF General Secretary Hamalu Jamatia said, “The state government’s decision to hand over Pushpabanta Palace to the TAJ Group is a blatant attempt to destroy our history and culture. We cannot allow the privatization of such an integral part of our identity.”

“We are not against development but not at the cost of destroying the culture and history of our state,” Jamatia added.

The protesters emphasized that historical landmarks like Pushpabanta Palace should be preserved as public heritage sites, accessible to all, and not exploited for commercial interests.

They said that while development is important, it should not come at the cost of erasing the state’s cultural legacy.

The TSF has called on the Tripura government to reconsider its decision and explore alternatives, such as allocating a different land plot for the proposed hotel while preserving the Pushpabanta Palace as a cultural and historical landmark.

Also Read: BSF Apprehends 6 Bangladeshi Nationals in Two Separate Operations in Tripura

COMMENTS