Soon after name of Tripura Raj Bhavan changed into Lok Bhavan,  principal opposition CPI(M) on Monday have welcomed the move while the Congress criticized it, saying that mere renaming would be meaningless unless it results in tangible benefits for the public.

On December 31, Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu announced that the official name of Tripura Raj Bhavan would be changed to Lok Bhavan, effective from December 1.

Reacting to the announcement, Tripura Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) state committee secretary Jitendra Chaudhary welcomed the decision but emphasized that the change should go beyond symbolism.

“Renaming alone is not enough. Lok Bhavan should genuinely serve as a place where people’s grievances are heard and addressed. In Tripura, the government has often been arrogant, leaving common people with no proper forum to voice their concerns. The Governor’s office should not function as a parallel to the government but should be responsive and accountable,” Chaudhary said.

He also expressed disappointment over the Governor’s interactions with the opposition, noting that Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu has reportedly not met or consulted him despite his position as Leader of the Opposition.

“Earlier, I was invited to all relevant events, but the current Governor does not communicate with me. I do not blame him personally, but renaming alone cannot ensure real change. Still, the decision is appropriate,” he added.

Meanwhile, former minister and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman criticized the move as a political distraction.

“Changing the name from Raj Bhavan to Lok Bhavan achieves nothing for the people. The Governor’s House, meant to uphold the Constitution, appears to have become a tool for the ruling party. The Governor could have taken action on corruption, violence, or other issues but has remained inactive. This seems like a tactic to divert attention from the government’s failures,” Barman said.

He added, “Unless the public gains from this change, it is merely symbolic. If they truly want meaningful reform, they should focus on governance rather than superficial name changes".