Agartala, May 10: Villagers of the Nabinchhara-Depachhara area in Tripura’s Pecharthal subdivision on Sunday expressed resentment, alleging that a long-pending promise made by state minister Santana Chakma to renovate a local Buddha temple has remained unfulfilled even after eight years.
According to local residents, the minister had assured financial assistance and renovation of the temple during her campaign ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections. Villagers claimed that despite repeated assurances, no visible work has begun on the temple project.
Residents and devotees gathered at the temple premises and publicly voiced dissatisfaction over the condition of the structure, saying the incomplete building has created difficulties for worshippers, especially during the monsoon season.
The villagers alleged that Santana Chakma had personally visited the locality before the elections and promised construction of a new temple building at Nabinchhara-Depachhara along with financial support of Rs 2 lakh for the project.
“Before the elections, the representative came here and assured us that the temple would be completed soon and financial help would be provided. But even after eight years, nothing has happened,” a local resident told reporters.
According to villagers, the temple continues to remain in a poor state, forcing devotees to face inconvenience while performing religious activities. They said the lack of proper infrastructure becomes particularly problematic during heavy rains when water enters parts of the unfinished structure.
Locals also alleged that repeated attempts to contact the minister’s office regarding the issue did not yield any concrete response. They urged the authorities to address the matter at the earliest and fulfil the commitments made to the community.
Several villagers further criticised what they termed the “politicisation” of religious institutions. They said promises related to places of worship should not be used merely as election commitments and then forgotten later.
“We do not want politics in the name of religion. If promises are made to people, they should be honoured. Eight years is a very long wait,” another resident said.
The villagers appealed to the government to take immediate steps for completion of the temple and ensure basic facilities for devotees in the area.
