Agartala: The Tripura government’s decision to organise a month-long programme to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday has drawn criticism from Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury.

The state government is scheduled to organise the month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ from September 17 to October 17, with a series of welfare, public outreach and social-service programmes across Tripura. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced the details of the initiative at a press conference.

Criticising the initiative, Jitendra Chowdhury questioned the use of government funds and administrative machinery for programmes centred around the birthday of a political leader. He termed the use of public money for such an observance as “unethical” and argued that celebrations of a political leader should be organised by the concerned political party using its own resources.

Chowdhury alleged that the initiative amounts to the politicisation of government institutions and the use of taxpayers’ money to promote the image of the Prime Minister and the ruling party.

He further alleged that the BJP and the state government were attempting to improve the Prime Minister’s public image through the month-long programme. These remarks were made while the Opposition leader raised criticism on several issues concerning the state government.

The government, however, has described the campaign as a public-service and welfare initiative. According to the announced programme, it will include blood donation and health camps, public outreach activities, student competitions, cleanliness drives and other social-service programmes.