Modi forgoes speech during Tripura temple inauguration on Sept 22

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not deliver a speech during his visit to the historic Tripureswari temple in Tripura on September 22. Instead, he will participate in a brief 45-minute ceremony marking the inauguration of the newly redeveloped temple, an important site among the 51 revered Shakti Peethas in India. This decision marks a significant departure from the Prime Minister’s customary practice of addressing gatherings during such visits.

The Gomati District Magistrate, Rinku Lather, confirmed that Modi will not address the crowd, indicating a streamlined visit focused primarily on the inauguration. The temple, which dates back 523 years to its original construction by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501, has recently undergone extensive renovations. These improvements were carried out under the central government’s PRASAD scheme, with an investment of Rs 52 crore aimed at enhancing religious tourism in India’s northeastern states.

Details of the Inauguration

Modi’s itinerary for the day includes landing at Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport at 15:00 before traveling by helicopter to Palatana. From there, he will make the journey to the temple by road, with heightened security measures in place throughout the visit. Officials have conducted complete trial runs of the route, ensuring that all logistical arrangements are thoroughly finalised.

Joining Modi at the inauguration will be Chief Minister Manik Saha, along with cabinet members and senior officials. The Chief Minister has already inspected the venue in advance, accompanied by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and Director General of Police Anurag Dhankar. This marks Modi’s 11th visit to Tripura since he took office in 2014, with his most recent trip occurring on April 17, 2024.

The redevelopment of the Tripureswari temple is expected to significantly bolster the state’s religious tourism infrastructure, attracting more visitors to the region. The PRASAD scheme aims not only to rejuvenate pilgrimage sites but also to enhance the overall spiritual experience for tourists and devotees alike.