Tripura govt withdraws controversial Diwali Mela banners after outcry over prominence of leaders’ photos

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 19, 2025

The Tripura government has withdrawn a series of publicity banners and flex boards installed in Udaipur town for the annual Diwali Mela at the Tripura Sundari temple following widespread controversy over the display design that placed photographs of political leaders above images of the deity.

The banners were installed by the state Department of Information, Culture and Tourism to welcome pilgrims arriving in Udaipur, one of the most prominent pilgrimage centres in northeast India. However, public resentment grew after visuals surfaced showing the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi placed above the portrait of Goddess Tripura Sundari, while photos of local MLA Abhishek Debroy and state Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury appeared above the image of the temple.

Several devotees, local residents and social organisations termed the display “disrespectful” and demanded that the government take immediate corrective action. Allegations also surfaced that a section of bureaucrats had deliberately attempted to please political leaders by prioritising their images over that of the deity.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Matabari MLA Abhishek Debroy said he had taken note of the controversy. He clarified that he had no prior knowledge of the banner design and had already discussed the matter with Minister Sushanta Chowdhury. According to Debroy, the minister also expressed dissatisfaction over the issue. When asked whether the move was an attempt to malign his public image, Debroy said he was unaware of any such conspiracy but stressed that the matter should not have happened in the first place.

Responding to questions on whether an investigation would be ordered, the MLA said the issue had been formally brought to the attention of the concerned department. “The department will take an appropriate decision after considering all aspects,” he said.

Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury also reacted to the matter and said that those publicity materials were being withdrawn.

Following mounting public pressure, the state government ordered the removal of all controversial banners and flex boards from Udaipur. Several civil groups have demanded an inquiry to identify those responsible for what they termed an “avoidable and insensitive act”.

The Diwali Mela at Tripura Sundari temple, also known as Matabari, attracts lakhs of devotees every year from Tripura and neighbouring states as well as from Bangladesh. The controversy comes at a time when preparations are underway for the major festival scheduled later this month.

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