AGARTALA, Jan 17 (TIWN): Claiming Union Minister Vijay Sampla's visit in Tripura was a political move, Tripura SC Welfare Minister Ratan Bhowmik said how without meeting the Social Welfare Dept. he could conduct a press meet suddenly ?

Addressing the media, Ratan Bhowmik said, "Tripura has always performed excellent in SC, ST Welfare and similar issues".

"Recently a Central team visited and praised the Tripura Govt managed hostels for SC students. So, these allegations have no point", added Bhowmik.

Yesterday, in a press conference Vijay Sampla told media that since 2016 no utilization certificate was sent to the Centre, neither the state govt has any motive to go for new projects.

Ratan Bhowmik said, 'We didn't take new projects for state, as Tripura's backward class never raised any demand and no major allegation was raised against the dept. However, we will surely utilize all central projects'.