A political storm is brewing in West Bengal over the electoral rights of the Matua community, with BJP leaders taking the issue to the highest office in the country. On Wednesday, a delegation led by Union Minister Shantanu Thakur met President Droupadu Murmu in New Delhi, seeking her urgent intervention to stop what they call the selective deletion of Matua voters from electoral rolls in the state.
Delegation Alleges Systematic Disenfranchisement
The delegation, which included representatives from the BJP-led faction of the All India Matua Mahasangha, submitted a letter to the President. In it, they made serious allegations about the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengal. The letter, written by Matua Mahasangha general secretary Sukhendra Nath Gain, claimed that voters from the Matua community and other Scheduled Castes are being deliberately targeted.
"Voters belonging to the Matua community and members of the Scheduled Caste are being selectively deleted from the voters' list," the letter stated. It further highlighted a stark contradiction, noting that in many assembly constituencies, the Matua community forms 40-45% of the population but is being denied its constitutional right to vote.
The delegation also raised concerns about intimidation and administrative pressure on Matua voters, leading to their disenfranchisement. They urged President Murmu to establish a dedicated Matua development board to oversee the community's welfare.
Adhikari's Assurance in the Matua Heartland
Meanwhile, on the same day in Bengal, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari addressed a gathering in the Matua heartland of Bongaon. He sought to calm fears, delivering a strong assurance to the community. "Have faith in PM Narendra Modi. Centre is concerned about Matuas. That is why certificates under CAA are being issued. There is no need to worry, as no name will be deleted," Adhikari declared.
He directly attacked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of opposing and mocking the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Adhikari emphasized that the Election Commission now recognizes CAA certificates as valid proof of citizenship. "Those who did not apply under the CAA are facing trouble now," he added, claiming that thousands have already received citizenship through the act.
Background and Broader Demands
This high-profile meeting with the President follows a discussion Union Minister Shantanu Thakur had with Home Minister Amit Shah last month, where similar concerns were reportedly raised. The issue touches a raw nerve in Bengal's politics, as the Matua community, a vast Scheduled Caste group with Namasudra roots, is a significant electoral force.
In New Delhi, Shantanu Thakur reiterated the central government's commitment, stating, "We are making every effort for the development of the Matua community — from granting citizenship to ensuring their permanent rehabilitation."
The delegation also presented a unique demand related to the Matua diaspora. They claimed that over 90% of the population of Little Andaman is composed of Matuas. In recognition of their contribution, they proposed renaming the island after the community's revered religious and cultural icons, Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur.
The conflicting narratives—allegations of voter deletion in Delhi and assurances of protection in Bongaon—set the stage for a major political confrontation in Bengal, with the rights of a key voter community at its center.
