Agartala (Tripura), July 22: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday underscored the essential interdependence between the Opposition and the Treasury benches in the Legislative Assembly, comparing it to the relationship between humans and trees.
Speaking at a ceremonial programme, held on Tuesday (July 22) commemorating the establishment of the Tripura Legislative Assembly and its relocation from the Ujjayanta Palace to the Capital Complex, Dr. Saha emphasized the need for collaborative functioning to uphold the democratic fabric.
Assembly’s Historic Journey from Ujjayanta Palace to Capital Complex
Dr. Saha reflected on the Assembly’s journey, stating that July 1, 1963, marked its establishment, while July 22 holds significance as the day the Assembly officially moved to its present location.
“The Assembly is a platform where diverse issues concerning public welfare are discussed. The role of all 60 MLAs is vital in shaping policies that benefit the people,”
“The Assembly is a platform where diverse issues concerning public welfare are discussed. The role of all 60 MLAs is vital in shaping policies that benefit the people,” he said.
Assembly: A Sacred Institution Demanding Dignity and Decorum
He remarked that the Assembly is akin to a temple of democracy and must be treated with respect. “The Opposition raises questions and concerns to strengthen democracy, and it is our responsibility to respond thoughtfully.
The decorum of this august House must be preserved at all costs,” he said, adding that administrative officials also have a significant role in ensuring the institution functions smoothly.
July 22, 2011, marked a historic milestone in the long journey of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, established in 1963. On this special day, the Assembly relocated from the Ujjayanta Palace premises to its current premises.
To commemorate this memorable day, today I… pic.twitter.com/zECXfjP2Xs
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) July 22, 2025
Dr. Saha proposed that beginning next year, all living former Speakers and Chief Ministers should be invited to join the celebrations, fostering continuity and respect for democratic traditions.
Tree Plantation Symbolizes Interdependence
As part of the occasion, Dr. Saha planted a tree within the Assembly premises.
He used the opportunity to underline the importance of environmental sustainability.
“যেভাবে বৃক্ষরাশি ও প্রাণীজগৎ একে অপরের পরিপূরক হয়ে প্রকৃতির ভারসাম্য রক্ষা করে, ঠিক তেমনি সুস্থ গনতান্ত্রিক আলোচনার মধ্য দিয়ে সরকার ও বিরোধী পক্ষ সমাজ ও নাগরিকদের কল্যাণ সাধন করে।”
১লা জুলাই, ১৯৬৩ সালে প্রতিষ্ঠিত ত্রিপুরা বিধানসভার ৬২ তম প্রতিষ্ঠা বর্ষে দাঁড়িয়ে এক দৃঢ়… pic.twitter.com/1pnVK4XN1W
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) July 22, 2025
“Nature teaches us about mutual dependency. Just like trees and humans rely on each other for survival, in the Assembly too, different political roles complement each other,” he stated.
Quoting scientific data, he noted, “One mature tree can produce 260 pounds of oxygen annually. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a vision for a carbon-neutral India, and it is our duty to contribute. Environmental protection must be a shared responsibility.”
Ratan Lal Nath Pays Tribute to Tripura’s Democratic Evolution
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath also addressed the gathering, stating that July 1, 1963, is not merely a date but a landmark in Tripura’s democratic journey.
Recalling Tripura’s historical milestones, he credited Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur for laying the foundation of modern Tripura with his visionary leadership.
Nath highlighted the infrastructural advancements—roads, schools, hospitals, and even the Agartala airport—as part of the Maharaja’s legacy.
“Following his demise, Rajmata Kanchan Prabha Devi played a pivotal role in merging Tripura with India by signing the Instrument of Accession on September 9, 1949”
“Following his demise, Rajmata Kanchan Prabha Devi played a pivotal role in merging Tripura with India by signing the Instrument of Accession on September 9, 1949,” he noted.
After becoming part of the Indian Union, Tripura was declared a Union Territory, and in May 1963, the Territorial Council Act came into force. As per Article 239 of the Constitution, a 31-member Territorial Council was formed—comprising 30 elected and one nominated member.
LoP Urges MLAs to Emulate Parliamentary Stalwarts
Opposition Leader Jitendra Chaudhury took the opportunity to reflect on the exemplary parliamentary conduct of leaders like former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and CPIM MP Hiren Mukherjee.
“Effective representation in the Assembly requires not only courage but also wisdom. Leaders like Vajpayee and Mukherjee were masters of articulating public concerns with gravitas”
“Effective representation in the Assembly requires not only courage but also wisdom. Leaders like Vajpayee and Mukherjee were masters of articulating public concerns with gravitas,” he said.
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Recalling his personal experiences, Chaudhury added, “I had the honour of listening to Vajpayee both as the Leader of the Opposition and as the Leader of the House. His words always had an impact. Even Prime Minister Nehru was known to pause his schedules to listen to Mukherjee speak in Parliament. Today’s MLAs can learn a lot from such examples.”
Legacy of the Legislative Assembly
The Territorial Council of Tripura was formally transformed into a full-fledged Legislative Assembly on July 1, 1963, marking the beginning of the state’s structured legislative processes.
The event was graced by Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen, Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul, Chief Whip Kalyani Saha Roy, Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, senior Congress leader Birajit Sinha, and several other MLAs who came together to honour Tripura’s legislative heritage. (With inputs from IANS)
