Over 100 women activists from the Twipra Women Federation (TWF) staged a strong protest in Agartala’s Circuit House on December 4, opposing the state government’s agreement to hand over the historic Puspabanta Palace to the Taj Group for conversion into a hotel. The protestors, led by TWF President Manihar Debbarma, demanded that the government reconsider its decision, emphasizing the need to preserve the cultural heritage tied to the palace.
The Twipra Women Federation, affiliated with the Tipra Motha party, voiced concerns that the transformation of the palace into a commercial property would erase its historical significance. “If the government insists on bringing the Taj Hotel to Tripura, there are many other locations available. Why Puspabanta Palace? We suggest setting up a library or museum here instead of a hotel,” Debbarma stated, highlighting the community’s emotional connection to the site.
Jagadish Debbarma, Chairman of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), also spoke out against the decision, underlining the local attachment to the palace. “This is not just a building; it’s a part of our history. We are urging the government to rethink its plan. The Tipra Motha party will intensify this protest in the coming days,” he added.
