Agartala : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday asserted that democracy can be strengthened only when public representatives uphold transparency, accountability and responsibility in the discharge of their duties, and remain answerable to the people they serve.

Addressing a seminar on the responsibility and accountability of public representatives in Agartala, Saha urged elected leaders at all levels to carry out their roles with integrity and commitment.The Chief Minister emphasised that public representatives must listen to citizens and interact with them politely and respectfully.

He highlighted humility, accessibility and a positive attitude as essential qualities for those entrusted with democratic responsibilities.Reiterating his vision of building a “New Tripura”, Saha called upon leaders to rise above party lines and work collectively for the State’s progress. Transparency, dedication and accountability, he said, should remain guiding principles so that future generations remember today’s leadership with respect.

The seminar, described as the first of its kind in Tripura, was held under the guidance of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The programme was organised by the Tripura Legislative Assembly with support from the CPA, a premier international organisation committed to promoting parliamentary democracy.

The event brought together public representatives from different tiers of governance, including ministers, MLAs and members of zilla parishads, municipalities and nagar panchayats.

Among the dignitaries present were Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Tripura Governor N Indrasena Reddy, and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury.

Speaking at the seminar, Harivansh Narayan Singh said democracy cannot function effectively without accountability. He stressed that public representatives must discharge their responsibilities through regional coordination, capacity building and well-planned legislative strategies.

He also underlined the importance of greater awareness of government programmes, stating that informed representatives would be better equipped to present their work before the public.

Singh emphasised that development initiatives must reach the grassroots so that governance benefits extend to all sections of society. Overall public welfare, he said, should remain the central objective, adding that economic prosperity can be achieved only through collective efforts, particularly in the context of prevailing geopolitical challenges.

The seminar concluded with a renewed call for ethical leadership and strengthened democratic practices, reinforcing the message that accountability and transparency remain fundamental pillars of effective governance in Tripura.