The Tripura Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday (April 11, 2025) condemned former Chief Minister and Lok Sabha Member Biplab Kumar Deb for making what it called an “irresponsible” statement over the management of donated gold ornaments at the Tripura Sundari Temple, which is revered by the Hindus. Mr. Deb, in his speech during the inauguration of another temple, made a startling allegation that the “CPI(M) had in the past sold out the gold jewellery of the Tripura Sundari Temple and replaced them with fakes”.
The former Chief Minister, who had to quit the position after a stint of three and a half years, has now been attending various Bharatiya Janata Party party, social and government-aided programmes in the State, his first biggest involvement since his election to Lok Sabha last year. Prominent party leaders and Ministers, however, are not seen in attendance at his programmes.
While gracing a programme at a newly built temple in Mohanpur area on Thursday, Biplab Kumar Deb lashed out at the CPI(M) for being averse to religious causes. At one point, he blamed CPI(M) for confiscating gold ornaments of the Tripura Sundari Temple located in Udaipur in Gomati district and selling them.
“I discovered the great steal after becoming Chief Minister in 2018. We found the donation box full of fake ornaments as originals were taken away to sell out in the market,” Mr. Deb alleged.
The statement of the former Chief Minister was reported in the local media.
The CPI(M) has criticised the charge and termed it an irresponsible rhetoric. “If the incumbent government has guts, let there be an inquiry,” former Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly and senior CPI(M) leader Pabitra Kar said.
King Dhanya Manikya made the temple in 1500 AD and is attributed as one of the 51st Hindu Shakti Pithas in the Indian subcontinent. It has been a center of religious faith for over 525 years.
The temple complex is currently being renovated under the PRASAD scheme of the Central government. Inauguration of the expanded and refurbished temple complex is expected to take place by May.
