Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Monday criticized the previous governments for fostering an environment of atheism in the state and said that after the BJP formed the government, the people of the state have embraced a positive shift towards faith and spirituality.

Dr Saha said this while inaugurating the ‘Siddheswari Mandir’ (temple) and laying the foundation stone of the Ved Vidyalaya at Barkathal under Mohanpur Sub Division in the West District, alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Swami Chittaranjan Maharaj.

“I want to thank UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for being here. The blessings of Gurudev Sri Sri Santikali and the dedication of Swami Chittaranjan Maharaj have made the inauguration of this temple possible. For the last 35 years, an environment of atheism was cultivated, leading people to question the existence of God. However, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, faith and spirituality are flourishing across the country. Our state government is working in the same direction, and this beautiful temple inaugurated today is a testament to that,” said Dr. Saha.

He highlighted that Tripura attracts visitors from outside the state, who come to see sites like the Tripura Sundari Temple and Kasba Kali Bari, and expressed confidence that the Siddheswari Mandir will also become a tourist attraction in the future.

“There was a time of unrest in the state. We saw how the situation deteriorated, and entire generations failed to contribute to the state’s development. After PM Modi's leadership and the formation of the BJP government, stability was restored. Without faith in God, nothing is possible. We must maintain our belief and trust on God. I feel proud of the work being done by Swami Chittaranjan Maharaj, who has opened schools, colleges, and more. Currently, there are around 24 ashrams, with over 1,500 students studying there,” he added.

Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb, BJP state president and MP Rajib Bhattacharya, Tipra-Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP, Rajib Bhattacharjee and other leaders and officials were also present at the event.