Questions Raised Over ‘Swadeshi Mela’ Turning Into a Platform for Political Self-Promotion in Tripura’s Capital

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, January 14, 2026

Serious questions have been raised over the intent and execution of the recently concluded Swadeshi Mela held at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Tripura’s capital, as allegations surfaced that the event gradually turned into a large-scale political publicity exercise rather than a celebration of indigenous products, heritage, and self-reliance.Critics have pointed out that the same government-funded advertisements for the fair were repeatedly published in a select group of newspapers, many of which are rarely seen in print circulation beyond social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. At the same time, the capital city witnessed an overwhelming display of flex boards, banners, and hoardings featuring photographs of ministers and a few municipal corporation councillors. These displays, funded by public money, have triggered widespread debate among conscious citizens.Ironically, despite, now a days the era of digital media, but there was no digital campaigns for the event. Not only that Tripura’s first and most widely accessed government approved digital news platform, tripurainfo, which commands massive reach across digital and web media, was not given a single advertisement for promoting the Swadeshi Mela. This selective approach to advertising has further deepened concerns over transparency and fairness in the use of public funds by the municipal authorities.

Although the fair concluded yesterday, questions continue to linger about how far its core objectives were achieved, especially after crores of rupees were reportedly spent on its organisation. While there was no visible shortage of grandeur and extravagance, the spirit of Swadeshi, rooted in patriotism, sacrifice, and promotion of indigenous industries, appeared largely missing.

Visitors observed that from the entrance to every corner of the fairground, colourful banners dominated the landscape.

The primary objective of the fair should have been to highlight and promote Tripura’s cottage industries, self-help group products and strengthen the local economy. Instead, the venue resembled a personal publicity album for ministers and legislators.

more news...