As a daughter of the soil, Pratima Bhowmik, the MP from West Tripura LS constituency, is the first person from Tripura to be inducted in Union Council of Ministers. Before her, no permanent resident of Tripura could rise to the level that Bhowmik scaled.
Overall, 52-year old Bhowmik is the 3rd Union Minister elected from the State. She has been inducted as MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment.
Dr Triguna Sen was the first – but not a resident of Tripura – to be elected from Tripura as a Rajya Sabha MP and inducted as the Union Minister. Vice Chancellor of Jadavpur University and later Banaras University, Dr Sen was the Education Minister of GoI.
After a long gap, Santosh Mohan Deb – he hailed from Silchar – was elected from West Tripura LS constituency and was inducted in Union Council of Ministers.
Since early 90s, it was CPM candidates who dominated the politics of Tripura and in 2019 LS Poll, Pratima Bhowmik scored a big victory.
Her organizational capabilities and hard working nature contributed to her rise from a humble beginning. She was born at Bornarayan of Sonamura sub-division under Sepahijala District. She completed her graduation from Women’s college in Agartala on Bio-Science.
Bhowmik joined BJP in 1991. She played a crucial role in dislodging CPM and ensuring a smooth victory for BJP in 2018 Assembly polls.
Although, after a giving former Chief Minister and CPM politburo member, Manik Sarkar a tough fight in 2018 Assembly polls, Bhowmik had to concede defeat against Sarkar – however, she strongly bounced back in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and won from West Tripura LS constituency with a handsome 51.77 per cent votes.
Her relentless efforts to tackle the Covid19 situation in 2020 and 2021 earned all round appreciation.
Elated supporters are celebrating the success of Didi as she is fondly referred by her supporters across the State. Her native village is also celebration her elevation.
Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb congratulated her and in a tweet, Deb said, “A moment of immense pride for Tripura that Pratima Bhoumik ji, a foremost representative of Nari Shakti of the state, has joined PM Shri Narendra Modi led Union Council of Ministers. I extend my heartiest wishes and pray to Ma Tripursundari for her success as a Union Minister.”
In a tweet, Bhowmik expressed her feelings. She wrote, “How enormously blessed I feel Hon PM Sri @narendramodi ji for your faith in me. This is the biggest day in my life, and I so fondly cherish your generous affection. I assure you we shall leave no stone unturned to carry forward your vision of taking our Nation to greater heights”.
Congratulations are pouring in from leaders for Pratima Bhowmik.