His successor, Kirit Bikram Kishore Deb Barman, was thirteen years old at the time of the merger.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Minister of Home Affairs, offered the following message on the occasion of the Merger of Tripura on 15 October 1949.
The State of Tripura, with its isolated situation, yet occupying a position of strategic importance of the Eastern Border of India, has an ancient history and rich culture.
The Government of India and Her Highness the Maharani Regent, acting on behalf of the minor Ruler, have come to the conclusion that in the interests of the State and its people, and of the country as a whole, it was essential that the Centre should make itself responsible for its administration of the State and the well being of its people.
To the people of Tripura, I can only say this: though far (and remote) from the capital city of the country, it will always claim our attention and we shall do our best to ensure that its link and connection with the main land are strengthened and it comes nearer to us.