Agartala (Tripura), November 27 (HBTV): The Tipra Motha Party, an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Tripura, has strongly opposed the reported decision to convert Pushpabanta Palace, a historic architectural landmark from the state’s royal era, into a five-star hotel.

The party’s founder and royal scion, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, criticized the move as "unilateral and profit-driven." He expressed concern over the lack of consultation regarding a matter deeply tied to the royal family's heritage and the state’s cultural identity.

In a video statement, Debbarman emphasized the historical significance of the palace, noting that it was once donated by the royal family to serve as the governor's residence, free of charge. He also mentioned earlier discussions about establishing a public library there in honor of Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya, who originally built the palace.

“Development should not come at the cost of erasing cultural heritage,” Debbarman stressed.

He highlighted the growing loss of historically significant sites and urged the public to oppose the decision, stating that “profit should not take precedence over history.” He called on people to stand against the reported move.

Meanwhile, the Tipra Students’ Federation, an independent student organization, on Tuesday urged the Tripura government to reconsider its decision to hand over a portion of Pushpabanta Palace, a sprawling palatial building.

Activists from the organization staged a sit-in demonstration in front of the palace, located at the heart of Agartala city.

The palace bears historical significance, including Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Tripura. Built by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya, the palace was previously used by the government of Tripura as Raj Bhavan, the seat of the state’s governor.