AGARTALA, Oct 15 (TIWN): BJP's ally IPFT is now in action of damage control after BJP Govt ordered a saffron coat across ancient Durga Bari temple ahead of Durga Puja. Today IPFT President cum Forest Minister NC Debbarma had visited Durga Bari temple, 1 day after the temple was re-coloured with white recovering it from saffron colour. NC Debbarma's visit even though raised question whether he came from IPFT party or BJP-IPFT Govt, but NC Debbarma declined to answer anything supporting or protesting over the saffron colour. NC Debbarma also talked to the priests and officials regarding the needful renovations for Durga Bari temple. Addressing media, NC Debbarma said, "Tripura is now in festive mood. The weather is also now in our favour. For few days, due to Titli the weather was in bad shape but now Titli is also gone and weather is in our favour. We'r hopeful that puja will go nicely and the preparations in this regard is already completed. Public are rushing the pandals which proves that the state is in festive mood. The coming days also will go well, we are hoping that. I am now visiting this temple (Durga Bari) where the final touch is being given before Durga Puja. From State Govt side, I greet whole Tripura. Wishing everyone to stay well in Durga Puja". The issue was raised which has compelled NC Debbarma to visit in the Durga Bari was when under BJP-IPFT Govt, allegedly with direction of Chief Minister Biplab Deb's Bangladeshi cousin brother Subhash Deb saffron colour was coated on Durga temple on October 14.

The issue was ended when due to public reactions and condemnations from devotees as well as royal family members, Govt was bound to change the colour in white.

On the day of Choturthi, the Durga Bari was coloured with saffron whereas on Panchami after the Royal family had condemned the Govt had restored the previous 'white' colour. The workers said, whereas on yesterday saffron colour was brought for them, today white colour has been brought and they were instructed to recolour it with white.

A source said, Raj Mata Bibhu Kumari Devi has complained to West DM Sandeep Mahatme led the administration to take action. 

This is the first Durga Puja in Tripura under BJP Govt and the beginning of the festival has finally shadowed the rich culture of Tripura when artisans were instructed by Biplab Deb’s close Ministers and Biplab’s Bangladeshi cousin brother Subhas Deb (Appointed Vice Chairman of State Cultural Advisory Committee) to coat the whole Durga Bari with saffron colour which was earlier in white colour since King's era (White, the symbol of Peace). 

Durga puja is 500 years old tradition in state. However, the capital of the princely dynasty along with royal temple moved three different places - Udaipur, Amarpur and Puran Habeli before the state headquarters and the capital city along with the Durgabari temple settled in Agartala 177 years ago in 1838 by then Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya (1830-49).