Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday invoked the image of a tree and human being to describe the vital relationship between the ruling and opposition benches in a democracy. Speaking at a commemorative event marking the 62nd Foundation Day of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Dr. Saha said the two sides are “interdependent” and “essential” to keep the democratic spirit alive.
“For a democracy to flourish, the government and the opposition must co-exist and cooperate, just like trees and humans rely on each other for survival. One provides oxygen, the other carbon dioxide—both are necessary for a balanced ecosystem,” he remarked.
The event, held at the State Assembly Complex in Agartala, marked 62 years since the Assembly’s establishment on July 1, 1963. It also celebrated 14 years since its relocation from the iconic Ujjayanta Palace to its present location on July 22, 2011.
Dr. Saha noted that this was the first time such a programme had been held to commemorate the Assembly’s foundation and proposed making it an annual observance. He also suggested including former Chief Ministers and living ex-Speakers in future celebrations to honour the Assembly’s journey and institutional memory.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to Late Upendra Kumar Roy, the first Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, acknowledging the early leaders who laid the groundwork for the state’s democratic evolution. He said the institution has since played a critical role in shaping public policy, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding citizens’ rights through robust debate and legislation.
