Matua Mahasangha Factions Demand Candidate Representation in West Bengal Elections
In a significant development in West Bengal politics, anger over candidate selections in the Matua-dominated regions of North 24 Parganas and Nadia has prompted both the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-aligned and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-aligned factions of the All India Matua Mahasangha (AIMM) to demand that their office-bearers be fielded as candidates. The factions are likely to meet on Sunday to discuss their political future, with tensions rising over perceived exclusions from party lists.
Political Demands and Community Resentment
While the TMC and BJP have announced candidates in these crucial Matua belts by relying on loyalists, the Mahasangha is seeking substantial changes. The two factions have formally conveyed their demands to TMC's Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur and BJP Union minister Shantanu Thakur, who head the respective AIMM groups. Matua functionaries have expressed deep resentment over the exclusion of AIMM organisational representatives from the candidate lists, with one leader stating, "We demand rights," and indicating that they may chart an independent course if ignored.
Sukesh Chowdhury, secretary of the Mamata Bala-led faction, emphasized that the community has long demanded that political parties nominate candidates from among active Matua organisers. "We work tirelessly throughout the year for the welfare and development of the Matua community. Yet, those who have made little to no contribution for the community's development are being chosen as candidates," he lamented, highlighting a disconnect between grassroots work and political recognition.
Candidate Lists and Factional Responses
In the Matua belt encompassing Bagdah, Bongaon North, Bongaon South, and Gaighata, the TMC has fielded sitting MLAs and established leaders, including Madhuparna Thakur, Biswajit Das, Rituparna Addhya, and Narottam Biswas. Meanwhile, the BJP is yet to name its candidate for Bagdah but has nominated sitting MLAs Ashoke Kirtaniya, Swapan Majumdar, and Subrata Thakur from the other seats. This selection process has sparked controversy, with Sukhen Gain, secretary of the Shantanu-led faction, warning that the community may withdraw support unless parties field candidates from within the organisational structure in Matua-dominated areas. Gain suggested they may consider forming a separate political platform, underscoring the potential for electoral realignments.
Leadership Reactions and Accusations
Mamata Bala Thakur distanced herself from the ongoing developments, stating she was not consulted and noting that the decisions of the party and the Mahasangha were final. On the other hand, Gain leveled serious accusations, claiming that candidates Kirtaniya and Majumdar were merely "posing" as Matuas without genuine community ties. In response, Kirtaniya cited his long-standing association with the community to refute the charges, while Majumdar accused Gain of attempting to blackmail the party after failing to secure a ticket, revealing deep-seated rivalries and political maneuvering.
Implications for West Bengal Politics
The demands from both AIMM factions signal a growing assertiveness among Matua community leaders, who are seeking greater representation and influence in electoral politics. With the Matua vote bank being a decisive factor in several constituencies, the outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the upcoming elections. The threat of independent action or support withdrawal adds a layer of uncertainty, potentially forcing major parties to reconsider their candidate strategies to appease this influential demographic.
