Kolkata, September 2 — Mahua Moitra, a Member of Parliament from Trinamool Congress representing Krishnanagar in West Bengal, is facing heavy criticism after making controversial remarks about the Matua community. Even some leaders within her own party have expressed displeasure over her comments.
The Matua community is a backward Hindu group that migrated from Bangladesh and settled in parts of Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal. Historically, they have been strong supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Despite Trinamool Congress’s big wins in the 2024 elections, BJP managed to secure victories in Matua-dominated constituencies like Bangaon and Ranaghat.
Recently, during a public meeting in Krishnanagar, Mahua Moitra made remarks criticizing the community’s political behavior. She questioned why Matua voters support the BJP at election time after benefiting from development schemes and allowances provided by the state government. She said, “They come to us for help when they need roads or schemes, and then they behave differently before elections. I know this speech will go viral, but I don’t care.”
Her comments didn’t sit well with many. Shantanu Thakur, a BJP MP from Bangaon who is himself from the Matua community and serves as Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, responded by clarifying that the allowances Moitra referred to are funded by the West Bengal government, not the TMC or Moitra personally. He also called Moitra’s remarks insulting to the Matuas and promised they would respond appropriately.
The All India Matua Mahasangh, led by TMC Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, also condemned Moitra. They emphasized that the allowances are part of government development programs, not personal benefits. Sukesh Chowdhury, the Mahasangh’s General Secretary, demanded Mahua Moitra apologize unconditionally. He warned that if she doesn’t, the Matua community might consider taking future action and would inform Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about the matter.
This controversy highlights the sensitive nature of politics and community identities in West Bengal. The Matua community remains an important voter bloc, and leaders’ comments about them often attract intense reactions.
