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The public dispute between two brothers, both BJP leaders, vying for control over the Matua power centre, has left the BJP in a difficult position.
BJP leaders Shantanu Thakur (left) and Subrata Thakur (right). (Image: PTI and X)
Matuas, a significant subset of Namasudras in West Bengal, have a substantial influence over at least 40 Assembly seats, particularly affecting political outcomes in North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Coochbehar, and Burdwan districts. The public dispute between two brothers, both BJP leaders, vying for control over the Matua power centre, has left the party in a difficult position. The party has instructed its spokespersons in Kolkata to avoid commenting on the issue while simultaneously striving to retain the crucial vote bank of 15 million.
How Did it Start?
The conflict began after a meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bengal MPs. One of the suggestions given to the MPs was to aggressively promote Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) workshops across Bengal to assist “genuine refugees” with paperwork while continuing to oppose “illegal immigrants”. Thakurbari, the pilgrimage site for the Matua community and residence of their first family, which includes Union Minister of State for Shipping Shantanu Thakur and his BJP MLA brother Subrata Thakur, was selected as a key venue for the CAA workshop.
Shantanu Thakur organised the workshop at the temple known as ‘Natmandir’ to address the long-standing demand of the Matuas for the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Matua community celebrated the notification of CAA rules before any other group in India. CAA applications require certain certificates, including one of religious identity, which the temple has been issuing. However, this Sunday, Subrata Thakur objected to using the temple for the CAA workshop.
Natmandir is more than just a temple; it is perceived as the power centre of Matua authority. Shantanu’s initiative to run the CAA workshop to assist fellow Matuas was seen by Subrata as a power struggle.
“If I am being politically removed, he can unleash a dictatorship. If I am removed, his wife could be given the MLA ticket. Shantanu Thakur blackmails the BJP using the Matua influence. He secured his position in the Union Council of Ministers by blackmailing,” alleges Subrata Thakur about his younger brother.
Shantanu Thakur seems ready for the confrontation. “Why has Shantanu Thakur become a minister? Why not me? I need to move to Trinamool Congress,” said Shantanu with a smirk, implying that Subrata’s objection has deeper implications.
Mahabharata in Thakurbari?
The split in Thakurbari is not a new occurrence. However, recent events have reshaped the chessboard of Matua politics in Thakurbari. While the two brothers are at odds, their mother, Chhabirani Thakur, has chosen to side with Subrata. Not surprisingly, TMC MP and another Thakur family member, Mamata Bala Thakur, has vocally supported Subrata.
Yet, not everything can be viewed solely through a political lens in this complex chess game involving Bengal’s first family, which controls 30 million Matuas. Former TMC Minister Manju Krishna Thakur criticised Subrata’s stance while siding with Shantanu.
When News18 reached out to Bengal BJP spokespersons, all declined to comment on the issue, later revealing that the party had instructed them to avoid discussing it. “It’s a family matter, not a party issue. They must sort it out. We are hopeful it will be resolved sooner rather than later,” said a BJP functionary, requesting anonymity.
BJP Bengal General Secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay summarised, “If there is a problem in Thakurbari, it is not a problem of BJP. Hence, the BJP has no comments to make.”
At a time when the BJP was conducting statewide CAA workshops, clearly distinguishing refugees (Matua) from illegal immigrants (Bangladeshi) and solidifying its base, this public spat between two BJP leaders within the Matua community has left a bad impression, according to many leaders off the record. However, no one is certain when this conflict will be resolved.
Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in …Read More
Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in … Read More
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