Matua Community in West Bengal Faces Tension Over Comments by TMC MP
A major group from the Matuwa community in West Bengal has expressed strong displeasure after a recent remark by TMC MP Mahua Moitra. The All India Matua Mahasangh, led by Mamata Bala Thakur, sent a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanding action against Moitra for her comments that hurt the community’s feelings.
Moitra, who represents Krishnanagar in Nadia district for the Trinamool Congress, made comments during a public meeting in Krishnanagar that sparked controversy. She criticized the community members for their voting patterns and behavior around election time. Moitra said, “What kind of approach is this when voters act differently before elections, seeking development schemes and packages, then go back to their usual routines?”
Following her remarks, the all-India Matua Mahasangh condemned her statements, calling them disrespectful to their community. The organization demanded that Moitra issue a public apology, stating her comments were hurtful and inappropriate. Sukesh Chowdhury, the Mahasangh’s General Secretary, explained, “We asked her to withdraw her comments and apologize unconditionally, but she refused. That’s why we wrote a formal letter to the Chief Minister, trusting she will take action and reprimand Moitra for hurting Matua sentiments.”
Interestingly, Mamata Bala Thakur, a prominent leader from the same community, did not directly write the letter herself. Instead, Sukesh Chowdhury, also from the Mahasangh, addressed the letter to the Chief Minister on her behalf.
The controversy centers around Moitra’s recent speech, where she questioned the loyalty of the Matua voters. She pointed out that despite their support for the BJP in recent elections, during the election season they turn to Trinamool Congress leaders for promises of development and benefits.
The Matua community, classified as a Backward Class Hindu group, migrated from Bangladesh decades ago and settled in parts of Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. While they have traditionally been a vote bank for the BJP, the community has shown support for the Trinamool Congress in recent years. Despite Trinamool’s overall victories in West Bengal’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP managed to win the Bangaon and Ranaghat constituencies — both heavily populated with Matuas.
This ongoing dispute highlights the political tensions in West Bengal, where community bonds and election strategies often clash. The Matua community’s support remains a key factor in the state’s political landscape, especially as parties vie for their backing in upcoming elections.
