Tripura is once again facing public outrage after new government flex banners featuring the faces of top leaders were installed across multiple districts, including the sacred premises of Maa Tripureshwari Temple. The banners, reportedly set up under the State Tourism Department, display the images of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and Transport & Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury.
The fresh installation has sparked strong criticism, just weeks after a similar controversy arose when flex banners with ministers’ photographs appeared above the image of Goddess Tripureshwari at the same temple and in other locations across Agartala. Many citizens had called the earlier display disrespectful and inappropriate, creating a storm on social media.
Minister Sushanta Chowdhury had previously denied responsibility for the banners, alleging that opposition parties had orchestrated them to harm the government’s image. The disputed flexes were quickly removed following the backlash. 
However, the new banners, reportedly funded by government money, have reignited public anger. Netizens and citizens have questioned the repeated expenditure of lakhs of rupees on what they term self-promotional material.
The controversy deepened due to the faulty design of some flexes, which allegedly depicted Mata Tripureshwari’s idol in an inappropriate manner. While Minister Chowdhury again denied involvement, Udaipur MLA Abhishek Debray stated that the Tourism Department was indeed responsible for the faulty banners. He added that he had spoken directly with the minister, who assured that the incorrect flexes would be removed. Accordingly, the disputed banners were taken down today and replaced with new ones.
