Agartala, December 28, 2024: Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury launched a scathing counterattack against former Chief Minister and CPI(M) Politburo member Manik Sarkar during a press conference in Agartala city on Saturday afternoon. This comes in response to Sarkar’s allegations about extravagant spending on the recently concluded Promo Fest-2024.
During an event at Agartala Town Hall on Friday, marking the 80th ‘Jana Shikha Diwas’, Sarkar claimed that Rs 7 crore had been spent in a single night for the festival. Addressing the press on Saturday, Chowdhury dismissed the comments as “misleading” and accused the former Chief Minister of making baseless claims to remain relevant in politics.
“Such comments are unbecoming of a senior leader like Mr. Sarkar,” Chowdhury said. “His statements are not only untrue but also reflect his growing political frustration. The truth is, during the CPI(M)’s 20-year rule, the Tourism Department was in shambles. It was reduced to a tool for party propaganda, with no effort to showcase the state’s potential to the world.”
The Tourism Minister further criticized the Left Front government for its alleged inaction in promoting tourism. “Under their rule, tourists feared visiting scenic spots like Jampui, Dumbur and Chabimura due to the looming threat of extremist activities. The department was a mere hideout for their cadre, where comrades would sing party songs at public gatherings,” he alleged.
Chowdhury also took pride in the success of Promo Fest-2024, which he said had garnered widespread appreciation from the public. “The CPI(M) cannot digest the event’s success and the recognition it has brought to the state. Their false propaganda only highlights their political irrelevance,” he remarked.
In conclusion, Chowdhury asserted that the former Chief Minister’s remarks were a desperate attempt to regain political traction, especially amidst reports of a potential change in CPI(M)’s party leadership. “Sarkar’s political bankruptcy is evident. The public sees through these lies, which is why the CPI(M) has lost its acceptance among the masses,” he said.
