Agartala, Aug 19 (IANS) Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday criticised the previous Left Front government for allegedly failing to recognise and accord due respect to the erstwhile Manikya dynasty and Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya for their significant contributions to Tripura’s development.
The Chief Minister made the remarks at a function in Agartala on the occasion of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur’s 118th birth anniversary.
He said the history people needed to know was deliberately kept from them and alleged that efforts were made to keep the royal period’s history confined to the past, preventing people from learning about its contributions to Tripura’s development.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saha noted that “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” had to be the guiding principle. He said those who had worked for the country must be recognised, especially the Manikya dynasty, which worked for Tripura.
During the reign of Maharaja Bir Bikram, he added, there was close coordination and unity among tribal and non‑tribal communities.
The Chief Minister said Maharaja Bir Bikram travelled to several foreign countries, which broadened his outlook and influenced his approach to Tripura’s development.
He undertook several initiatives for the state, established one of the oldest municipal bodies in Agartala and took various measures for the overall development of the city and the state.
Saha said Maharaja Bir Bikram’s contributions extended to several spheres and that his vision and initiatives had played an important role in shaping modern Tripura.
He alleged that the previous government intentionally failed to recognise the contributions and legacy of the Manikya dynasty and Maharaja Bir Bikram as they deserved.
He added that even today, they continue to remain silent about the remarkable contributions of the Manikya dynasty. However, the present government has taken sincere steps to restore their rightful place in Tripura’s history and accord them the respect and recognition they deserve.
The Chief Minister said the contributions of the erstwhile royal family, particularly Maharaja Bir Bikram, should be remembered by the present generation and properly documented so future generations can learn about their role in Tripura’s development.
He emphasised the need to preserve the Manikya dynasty’s historical legacy and ensure that contributions made during the royal period receive due recognition in the state’s history.
Saha said remembering the contributions of past rulers was not merely about commemorating history but also about recognising the vision, initiatives and developmental efforts that helped shape Tripura.
He said the state government would continue its efforts to highlight the historical contributions of the Manikya dynasty and Maharaja Bir Bikram and ensure that their legacy is appropriately recognised in the state’s developmental and historical narrative.
On October 15, 1949, erstwhile princely ruled Tripura came under the administration of the Government of India after the merger agreement was signed between the then Regent Maharani Kanchan Prabha Devi and the Governor‑General of India.
–IANS
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