Manik Sarkar’s baseless claims on Promo Fest exposes CPI (M)’s political anxiety, Sushanta

Tourism Department has flourished under the BJP-led government by achieving unprecedented growth in tourist numbers and revenue. Between 2018 and 2024, the state recorded 21.90 lakh domestic tourists and 4.29 lakh foreign tourists, a step rise from the 18.69 lakh domestic and 1.79 lakh foreign tourists during the CPI(M) regime from 2013 to 2018. Revenue from tourism has also more than doubled, reaching Rs. 31.25 crore under the BJP, compared to Rs. 15.52 crore earlier. Despite these success, former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has continuously making baseless claims about the government’s expenditure on the recently concluded Promo Fest 2024, said Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury.

On the 80th Foundation Day of Janashiksha Samiti, while addressing the audience at a program held at Agartala Town Hall, Sarkar alleged that the ruling BJP government spent Rs. 7 crore in a single night for the festival held at Swami Vivekananda Maidan. He criticized the event as extravagant and accused ministers of indulging in revelry while the public suffered. His remarks, published prominently in local newspapers, have drawn sharp criticism from the ruling BJP.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury dismissed Sarkar’s claims as “shameful and baseless,” stating that the actual expenditure was around Rs. 1.5 crore, with bills still under review. Chowdhury accused Sarkar of spreading misinformation out of frustration and political irrelevance, asserting, “Such baseless statements do not suit a former Chief Minister.”

The Minister also targeted the CPI (M)’s dismal record in developing the tourism sector by accusing the Left government of reducing the Tourism Department to a “propaganda machine” for party cadres. “During Sarkar’s tenure, insurgency and poor governance turned tourist destinations like Jampui Hills and Dumboor Lake into no-go zones. The department was used to supply singers for CPI (M) rallies, not to promote tourism,” Chowdhury remarked.

Chowdhury further emphasized that Promo Fest-2024 was a resounding success, attracting tourists from across Tripura and neighbouring states. Hotels were fully booked, local businesses thrived, and the event received widespread public praise. “Even CPI (M) MLAs requested me for passes for their families to attend the festival,” Chowdhury quipped, calling out the opposition’s hypocrisy. He added that the festival showcased Tripura’s cultural vibrancy and boosted local businesses, a feat the Left government never achieved during its two-decade rule.

The Minister did not shy away from directly challenging Sarkar to provide evidence for his allegations. “If you can prove that Rs. 7 crore was spent on Promo Fest, present the evidence. Otherwise, stop misleading the public and accept that your political heydays are over,” he said. Chowdhury accused Sarkar of opposing government initiatives purely for the sake of opposition by saying, “Manik Sarkar’s comments are a desperate attempt to stay relevant. His party is so irrelevant now that it requires a microscope to be noticed.”

In a sarcastic dig, Chowdhury remarked that Sarkar could have witnessed the public’s enthusiasm for Promo Fest if he had stepped out of his “Duplex Bungalow” or glanced from its terrace. Instead, Sarkar chose to sit in his air-conditioned room and spread lies, Chowdhury said. The Minister further highlighted how the CPI (M)’s political irrelevance has pushed them into making baseless allegations.