The political fate of West Bengal's influential Matua community remains suspended in uncertainty as the state approaches crucial elections, with delayed implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) creating ripples of discontent and strategic calculations among major political parties.
The Citizenship Promise and Political Reality
At the heart of the matter lies the unfulfilled promise of citizenship for millions of Matua community members who migrated from Bangladesh to escape religious persecution. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had made the CAA implementation a cornerstone of its 2021 election campaign, specifically targeting the Matua vote bank that constitutes a significant portion of voters in at least 40 assembly constituencies across North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, and other border districts.
The community, estimated to number around three crore in West Bengal alone, has been waiting anxiously for the citizenship rules that would formalize their status in India. Despite the BJP's repeated assurances, the rules for implementing the CAA have not been notified even three years after the legislation was passed by Parliament in December 2019.
Political Maneuvering and Community Discontent
This delay has created a complex political scenario where both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP are carefully navigating the Matua sentiment. The TMC has seized upon the implementation delay to question the BJP's commitment to the community, while the BJP leadership continues to assure Matuas that the process will be completed soon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself addressed the community during his recent visit to Thakurnagar, the Matua headquarters in North 24 Parganas, asserting that the CAA would be implemented once the COVID-19 pandemic subsided. However, with the pandemic situation improved and elections approaching, the community's patience is wearing thin.
The political significance of the Matua vote cannot be overstated. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made significant inroads in Matua-dominated areas, winning several seats with the community's support. However, the 2021 assembly elections saw a partial reversal of this trend, with the TMC recovering some ground.
Historical Context and Current Dilemmas
The Matua community traces its migration history to the partition of Bengal and subsequent religious persecution in Bangladesh. Many community members lack proper documentation and have been living in legal limbo for generations. The CAA, which promises citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, directly addresses their concerns.
However, the implementation delay has created practical problems for community members. Many Matuas report difficulties in obtaining Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and other essential documents due to their uncertain citizenship status. This administrative limbo affects their access to government schemes, employment opportunities, and property rights.
The community's internal dynamics also play a crucial role in the political calculus. The recent passing of Matua matriarch Binapani Devi, popularly known as Boroma, has created a leadership vacuum that both political parties are attempting to fill. Her grandson, Shantanu Thakur, currently serves as Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, representing the BJP, while other family members have aligned with different political formations.
Electoral Implications and Future Scenarios
As West Bengal prepares for another electoral battle, the Matua vote could prove decisive in numerous constituencies. Political analysts suggest that the community's final voting pattern will depend largely on the actual progress of CAA implementation in the coming months.
The BJP faces the challenge of delivering on its promise while navigating legal and administrative complexities. The party's state leadership has been actively engaging with Matua religious and community leaders to maintain their support base. Meanwhile, the TMC has been highlighting the delay as evidence of the BJP's empty promises while positioning itself as a protector of all communities in Bengal.
Beyond immediate political calculations, the Matua dilemma represents larger questions about citizenship, migration, and identity in border states. The community's wait for formal recognition continues even as they remain integral to West Bengal's social and political fabric. Their ultimate political choice in the upcoming elections will not only determine individual electoral fortunes but could also shape the state's political landscape for years to come.
With both major parties aware of the stakes, the competition for the Matua vote remains intense and unpredictable. As one community leader noted, "We have heard many promises, but what we need is action. Our community has waited long enough for the dignity of citizenship."
