Bengal Thakur Brothers at Loggerheads Over Matua Rights and CAA Implementation

PTI, August 24, 2025,  Kolkata : In a development that could create discomfort within the BJP's West Bengal unit, MLA Subrata Thakur has accused his brother, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur, of irregularities in the issuance of caste certificates and ‘Matua cards’ for the community. The Matua community, a Namashudra Hindu group, migrated from erstwhile East Pakistan after Partition and during the 1971 war.

Speaking to reporters at the Matua headquarters in Thakurnagar on Sunday, Subrata, the BJP legislator from Gaighata, alleged that Shantanu was "depriving genuine community members" of the benefits under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

"Cards are being issued under the name of the All India Matua Mahasangha and certificates are being granted, but genuine community members are still waiting for benefits. Shantanu is exploiting religious emotions for political dividends. People are being misled every day," Subrata claimed.

In response, Union Minister and Bongaon MP Shantanu Thakur dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. He asserted that he is solely committed to the welfare of the Matua community. "These allegations stem from political jealousy. Subrata wants power and is preparing to join the TMC. He’s frustrated because he isn’t a minister. But the Matua Samaj stands firmly with me," Shantanu said.

Subrata, however, countered Shantanu's charges by alleging that his younger brother had forcibly taken control of the Harichand-Guruchand temple, evicting other members of the community and only granting access to his supporters. "He is acting like a dictator. We won't allow this to happen," Subrata said.

On Saturday, Subrata met with TMC Rajya Sabha MP Mamatabala Thakur (his aunt), TMC MLA Madhuparna Thakur (his sister), and his mother, Chhabirani Thakur, to discuss ways to "protect Matua rights" and allegedly prevent the temple from being usurped.

Mamatabala Thakur said, "Shantanu is not allowing ordinary Matua devotees access to the temple, and I only supported Subrata's demand."

Meanwhile, their father, Manjulkrishna Thakur, expressed support for Shantanu, stating, "Falsehoods and lies are being spread against Shantanu, who is working tirelessly to ensure the identity, rights, and well-being of every genuine Matua in his capacity as Union Minister."

The Matua community, followers of a Vaishnavite Hindu reform movement founded by their spiritual head Harichand Thakur in the 19th century, is primarily based in the border districts of North 24 Parganas and Nadia. Many members of the community have recently applied for benefits under the CAA.