Elected representatives must win public trust through development: Tripura CM

Agartala, Oct 23: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said elected representatives must remain accountable to the people and earn their trust through tangible development work, stressing that public service should go beyond promises made during election campaigns.

He made the remarks after inaugurating the newly constructed Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee Community Hall at Vaishnabtila in Amtali, an 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 programme.

Addressing the gathering, Saha said people elect their representatives with hopes and expectations. Those entrusted with public responsibility must, therefore, remain accessible to citizens, understand their concerns and work sincerely for the welfare and development of their constituencies.

Accountability should be the cornerstone of public service at every level, whether in local bodies, state assemblies or Parliament, he said.

The chief minister observed that making promises during election campaigns was relatively easy, but translating them into concrete development initiatives was the real test of leadership.

He urged elected representatives to introspect and consider what answers they would give voters if they failed to contribute meaningfully to the progress of their respective areas.

Public confidence, he said, could be strengthened through visible results, regular engagement with residents and a genuine commitment to resolving their problems.

Emphasising people-centric governance, Saha said development should not remain confined to official records and government documents but must bring tangible improvements to the everyday lives of citizens.

He stressed the need for sustained attention to essential civic amenities, including roads, drinking water, electricity and sanitation. Elected representatives should regularly interact with residents, listen to their grievances and ensure timely intervention to address local issues, he added.

Referring to the legacy of Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee, after whom the community hall has been named, Saha said his ideals highlighted the importance of patriotism, social responsibility and dedication to public service.

He said community facilities should serve not only as physical infrastructure but also as centres for social interaction, cultural programmes and collective activities.

The chief minister said the state government's development agenda, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, aims to ensure that the benefits of growth reach all sections of society.

Effective coordination among elected representatives, government departments and citizens is essential to achieving this objective, 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.