Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury denies any role of the Tourism Department in controversial Diwali Mela banners featuring leaders above Goddess Tripura Sundari, calling the act disrespectful and vowing transparent replacement flexes respecting religious sentiments.
Ahead of the upcoming Diwali Mela at the revered Matabari Temple in Udaipur, a major controversy erupted in Tripura over a series of flex banners that many have deemed disrespectful to religious sentiments. The banners, displayed across Agartala and nearby areas, show images of Goddess Tripura Sundari and the iconic Matabari temple positioned below photographs of political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury.
The arrangement of the images, placing political figures above the deity, has triggered sharp criticism on social media and various public platforms. Netizens and devotees expressed strong disapproval, questioning the rationale behind such design choices, which they say undermine the sanctity of the goddess.
Many users on social media voiced their anger, writing, “How can humans be placed above the Goddess? Isn’t this deeply disrespectful?” Others pointed out that no mortal, regardless of position or political stature, should be depicted above a divine figure worshipped by millions across Tripura and beyond.
Minister Responds to the Backlash
Amid rising public outrage, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury released a video statement to address the issue. In his message, Chowdhury categorically denied any involvement of the Tourism Department in creating or distributing the controversial banners.
He clarified that he was attending a tourism conference outside Tripura when the matter was brought to his notice. “As soon as I came to know about these flexes, I contacted the Director of Tourism and other concerned officials to look into it immediately,” Chowdhury said.
The minister further asserted, “You’ll notice that none of these banners mention any government department or official seal. As the Minister of Tourism, I can confidently say that our department had no role whatsoever in putting up these flexes.”
Strong Condemnation and Call for Respect
Chowdhury went on to condemn the act in strong terms, describing it as a deliberate attempt to malign the reputation of the Tourism Department ahead of the Diwali Mela. “I strongly denounce this act,” he said. “Tripura Sundari Mata is our most sacred deity. In Tripura, every heart beats with devotion for her. The idea of placing ourselves above her is not only unacceptable but unimaginable.”
He added that such incidents hurt the emotions of countless devotees and undermine the spiritual significance of the Matabari Temple, which stands as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas — a revered center of worship in Hindu tradition.
Transparency and Corrective Action Promised
To restore faith and clarity, Chowdhury announced that new flex banners would be put up starting tomorrow, clearly identifying the responsible department and ensuring complete transparency. He emphasized that the new displays will maintain the highest respect for religious sentiments and uphold the sanctity of the Diwali Mela celebration.
“Our government respects every faith and tradition,” he said. “We are committed to preserving Tripura’s spiritual heritage while promoting it as a center of tourism and cultural pride. No propaganda or misrepresentation can distort that purpose.”
Public Sentiment and Broader Reactions
The issue has also sparked broader discussions about the intersection of religion and politics in public displays. Civil society members and temple devotees have urged authorities to implement stricter scrutiny of event publicity materials to prevent similar controversies in the future.
Some citizens have called for an inquiry to identify the individuals or organizations behind the misleading banners, arguing that such actions could incite unnecessary public outrage and damage communal harmony during a major festival.
As the state gears up for Diwali Mela celebrations at the historic Matabari Temple, authorities are working to ensure that the event proceeds with peace, devotion, and dignity — qualities deeply tied to the festival’s spiritual essence.
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Minister Chowdhury’s prompt clarification has helped ease tensions to some extent, but the episode stands as a reminder of how sensitive the balance between religious devotion and political representation remains in a culturally rich state like Tripura.
