AGARTALA, Nov 16 (TIWN): Chief Minister Biplab Deb has claimed on Thursday on the occasion of Youth festival 2018 that Tripura has all potentiality to show whole India.

Amid pathetic roadway condition, tourism depts bad shape, Chief Minister Biplab Deb has called the youths to visit Neer Mahal, Chabimura, Unakoti and they will see the whole India in Tripura.

Praising PM Modi, Deb said, "Earlier it was Look East Policy, but now it's Act East Policy which has initiated real development in the Northeast. PM Modi has mentioned about Asta Laxmi and those Asta Laxmi are these eight Northeast states".

CM further said, India must be a No-1 country in all aspects as it's the country of 65% youths.

However, criticism erupted as tourism Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, IT Minister Sudip Roy Barman, youngest Minister Santana Chakma were absent in the programme. 

CM Biplab Deb, Deputy CM Jishnu Dev Barman, Sports Minister Manoj Deb, Education Minister Ratan lal Nath, Forest Minister NC Debbarma, Tribal Welfare Minister Mebar Jamatia remained present on this occasion, but the absence of most popular Minister Sudip Barman has generated media controversy. 

Northeast Youth Festival 2018 has been started today at Astabal Stadium. Performers from 8 Northeast states have gathered on this occasion. On 16th November Bengali Fossils Band will be performing in Astabal stadium, whereas on November 18 singer Alka Yagnik will sing songs. Indian Idol Surabhi Debbarman also will perform on this great occasion.

Performers from 8 States have arrived, whereas thousand participants are from Tripura.