Agartala, Oct 23: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said elected representatives must remain accountable to the people and earn their confidence through tangible development work rather than mere promises.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the newly constructed Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee Community Hall at Vaishnabtila in Amtali, Saha said public service, responsiveness and commitment to grassroots development should define the role of people's representatives.
The community hall has been constructed under the initiative of Agartala Municipal Corporation's Ward No. 49.
Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Datta, MLA Meena Rani Sarkar, local corporator Harisadhan Debnath and other dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony.
The chief minister said people cast their votes with expectations and place their trust in elected representatives. It is, therefore, their moral responsibility to remain connected with citizens, understand their concerns and work sincerely for the welfare of their constituencies.
Whether it is a local body, Assembly or parliamentary election, accountability must remain central to public service, he said.
Making promises during election campaigns is relatively easy, but fulfilling them through concrete development initiatives is the real test of leadership, Saha observed.
He urged public representatives to assess their performance and consider what answers they would give voters if they failed to contribute meaningfully to the development of their areas.
Public trust cannot be secured through rhetoric alone but must be earned through visible results and sustained engagement with citizens, he said.
Highlighting the importance of development-oriented governance, Saha said progress should not remain confined to official records but must translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.
He stressed the need for continued attention to roads, drinking water, electricity, sanitation and other essential public services. Elected representatives should regularly interact with residents, address their grievances and take timely action based on ground realities, he added.
Referring to the legacy of Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee, the chief minister said his ideals serve as a reminder of the importance of patriotism, social responsibility and dedication to public service.
He said community institutions should serve not merely as physical infrastructure but also as centres for social interaction, cultural activities and collective development.
Saha also said the state government's development agenda, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, seeks to ensure that the benefits of growth reach every section of society. Achieving this goal requires coordination among elected representatives, government departments and citizens, he added.
The newly inaugurated community hall is expected to provide residents of Vaishnabtila and neighbouring areas with a dedicated venue for social, cultural and community programmes.
