Furore Over Controversial Flex at Tripureshwari Temple: Minister Sushanta Chowdhury Denies Tourism Department’s Role, MLA Abhishek Debroy Claims Otherwise

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 19, 2025

A major controversy has erupted in Tripura after a flex banner featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, and Minister Sushanta Chowdhury was placed below the picture of Maa Tripureshwari, sparking outrage among devotees and locals. Many called the act “ntentional disrespect and condemned the mixing of religion with politics.

The incident occurred on the eve of Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations near the famous Tripureshwari Temple, where several such flexes were reportedly displayed, creating widespread anger. Social media users heavily criticized the move, with many commenting: “Don’t mix religion with politics. What is the need for political flexes during religious festivals? If anyone wants to put up a banner, it should have only the image of the deity.”

In a video clarification, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury stated that his tourism department did not install these controversial flexes.

“I don’t know who put up these banners. From tomorrow, our department will officially place approved flexes,” the Minister said, expressing irritation over the matter. He further hinted that someone might have done this deliberately to malign the image of the department.

However, Matabari Deepavali Committee Chairman and local MLA Abhishek Debroy made a contradictory statement. He claimed he had received information that the flexes were indeed installed by the tourism department.

“I have instructed for the removal of these objectionable banners immediately. When I informed the Minister, he too expressed his disapproval,” Debroy said.

This conflicting narrative has deepened the confusion among the public, with both leaders expressing dissatisfaction over the issue but giving opposing statements on who was responsible.

Locals have called for a proper investigation to determine who authorized and installed the offensive flexes, with one citizen remarking, “This is shocking, like finding a traitor inside the house. There must be an inquiry to find out who did this and why.”

As the controversy continues to grow, the state administration and the tourism department may soon face demands for accountability and clarity over the “flex scandal” that has hurt religious sentiments during one of Tripura’s most sacred festivals.

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