It’s a government property, govt has every right to decide its use: Tripura Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Pushpabanta Palace controversy

He added that the Chief Minister has initiated discussions aimed at boosting tourism and positioning Tripura competitively among other states.

For the first time reacting to ongoing protests over the state government’s decision to lease Pushpabanta Palace to the Taj Group for developing a five-star hotel, Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Thursday emphasized government’s ownership of Pushpabanta Palace stating that It’s a government property, and the state govt has every right to decide its use.
Chowdhury, who also serves as the state cabinet spokesperson, addressed the issue during a press briefing at the Secretariat, defending the government’s position.
The Minister clarified that while the palace once belonged to the royal family during Tripura’s princely era, it became government property following the state’s merger with India in 1949.
“There are several royal heritage properties across that have been converted into businesses or even marriage halls,” Chowdhury said, hinting at precedents for such transformations without explicitly naming any examples.
He added that the Chief Minister has initiated discussions aimed at boosting tourism and positioning Tripura competitively among other states.
“Keeping tourism development in mind, there have been discussion about handing over the Pushpabanta Palace to a private group for setting up a five-star hotel, but nothing has been finalized yet,” Chowdhury said.
Responding to concerns raised by protesters, the Minister emphasized the government’s ownership of the palace.
“It is a government property, and the state has every right to decide its use. The merger agreement does not impose any restrictions on leasing the property for any project,” he stated.
Chowdhury urged critics to support the government’s efforts to enhance the state’s infrastructure and tourist appeal, rather than opposing decisions aimed at development.
Addressing allegations that stakeholders were not consulted, he acknowledged the concerns but reiterated the government’s prerogative in such matters.
On claims that the palace might be demolished, Chowdhury dismissed the speculation, explaining that retrofitting work is currently underway to reinforce the structure against earthquakes.
He reiterated that the palace’s heritage will be preserved if any project moves forward.
The proposal has sparked widespread protests, with groups like the Twipra Indigenous Students’ Federation (TISF) and sections of the indigenous community condemning the plan as a violation of Tripura’s cultural and historical identity.
Demonstrators have vowed to intensify their agitation if the government moves ahead with the project.
The Pushpabanta Palace, built in 1917 by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya, served as the Governor’s House until 2018. It was initially intended to be converted into a museum and research center before the current proposal for its commercialization emerged.

Also Read: Tripura: BJP Ally IPFT Renews Demand For Separate Statehood

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