Tripura CM alleged that the Left Front, which ruled the state for 35 years, failed to promote tourism or industrial growth

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, January 6, 2026

Tripura Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha on Monday criticised the erstwhile Left Front government for neglecting the tourism sector, asserting that sustained policy initiatives by the present BJP-led government have led to a steady rise in foreign tourist footfall in the state.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the Tripura Heritage Village and Sangeet Experience project under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, along with an amusement park at Sachindranagar in Jirania, the chief minister said tourism is now being developed as a key economic sector.

Dr Saha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly referred to Tripura’s development, including during election campaigns in West Bengal, and recently ranked the state first in Deregulation-1 during a meeting with chief secretaries. He claimed that after Sikkim, Tripura has recorded an increase in foreign tourist arrivals and is steadily improving its performance across several national indicators, including gross state domestic product and per capita income. He added that NITI Aayog has identified Tripura as a front-runner state.

The chief minister alleged that the Left Front, which ruled the state for 35 years, failed to promote tourism or industrial growth, leading to economic stagnation. In contrast, he said the present government is focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and women’s empowerment through self-help groups and the Lakhpati Didi initiative.

Highlighting the Sachindranagar project, Dr Saha said it would generate local employment through homestays, log huts and allied facilities, while also supporting tea gardens and promoting Janajati culture. He said upcoming projects, including the Shakti Peetha at Banduar, would further boost spiritual and cultural tourism.

Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury and senior officials were present at the event.

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