Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while on the campaign trail for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026, offered prayers at the main shrine of the Matua sect. The visit underscores the significance of the Matua community, whose backing played a crucial role in the Bharatiya Janata Party's strong performance in the 2021 Assembly polls.
Modi's Outreach to Matua Sect
The Prime Minister's visit to the Matua shrine is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support from the influential sect, which has a substantial following in the state, particularly in the districts of Nadia and North 24 Parganas. The Matua community, originally from East Bengal (now Bangladesh), has been a key vote bank in West Bengal politics.
Historical Context
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP made significant inroads in West Bengal, winning 77 seats, its best-ever performance in the state. The Matua community's support was widely credited for this success. The community has traditionally leaned towards the Trinamool Congress, but the BJP has been actively courting them, promising citizenship rights and cultural recognition.
Modi's visit to the Thakur Nagar temple, the headquarters of the Matua sect, is part of a broader campaign to retain and expand the BJP's base in the state. The Prime Minister also addressed a public meeting, highlighting the government's efforts for the welfare of the Matua community, including the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Political analysts note that the Matua community's support could be decisive in several constituencies, especially in the border regions. The BJP's strategy appears to be focused on building on the gains made in 2021, while the ruling Trinamool Congress is working to win back the community's allegiance.
The 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal are expected to be a high-stakes contest, with the BJP aiming to unseat the Mamata Banerjee-led government. Modi's outreach to the Matua sect is a clear indication of the importance the party places on this community's support.
