Agartala, Aug 16: As she arrived in Tripura after becoming the central minister, Pratima Bhowmik bowed down, with her forehead touching the ground, to register her respect for her home state on Monday.

Bhowmik, the first resident of Tripura to become a central minister, has arrived here amid fanfare. She is now serving as the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.

She was given a rousing welcome by the BJP activists specially the Mahila Morcha at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala on Monday. She was then brought to the city accompanied by a huge bike rally. 

Bhowmik is scheduled to take part in Aswirwad Yatra in several parts of the state to take blessings of the people. She has arrived in the state around 42 days after taking charge as the union minister.