BJP Faces Unease Over Matua Rift: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which made significant political inroads in West Bengal by consolidating the support of the Matua community during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2021 Assembly polls, now finds itself grappling with growing unease as internal rifts within the community widen. The sharp political and emotional divide among Matuas is forcing the BJP into a delicate balancing act, one that could have far-reaching implications for its electoral prospects in Bengal ahead of 2026 and beyond.
The Importance of the Matua Community
The Matuas, a Dalit refugee community with roots in erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), migrated to India in large numbers after Partition and the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Concentrated heavily in North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and certain parts of South Bengal, their estimated numbers are between 1.5 crore and 2 crore, making them one of the most influential voting blocs in the state.
For decades, the community has rallied around the demand for citizenship rights, given their historical refugee status. This demand has been central to their political bargaining power. The BJP’s promise to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was a key factor that attracted Matua support in recent elections, especially as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) struggled to present a convincing counter-narrative.
📌 Background on the Citizenship Amendment Act
BJP Faces Unease Over Matua Rift: The Emerging Rift
Despite earlier unity, divisions within the Matua leadership have become increasingly visible. The community is split between factions aligned with different leaders of the influential Thakurbari family, descendants of Matua founder Harichand Thakur.
On one side stands Shantanu Thakur, BJP MP from Bongaon and Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. On the other, several Matua leaders have leaned towards the TMC, accusing the BJP of delaying the full rollout of CAA and failing to deliver on its promises.
This divergence has led to confusion among grassroots Matuas. While many still hold faith in the BJP’s pledge, others are restless and feel that their trust is being taken for granted.
BJP’s Predicament
The BJP’s central leadership is caught in a difficult situation. On the one hand, it cannot afford to alienate Shantanu Thakur and his loyal base within the Matuas, given their numerical strength in several constituencies. On the other, the visible discontent among sections of the community threatens to weaken its once-solid support.
Party insiders admit that the BJP is treading cautiously. Taking sides could risk fracturing the Matua vote bank, while staying neutral could create perceptions of indecision. A senior state leader reportedly said, “We have to maintain harmony with all factions. The community’s aspirations must be respected, otherwise political opponents will exploit the differences.”
TMC’s Countermoves
The ruling Trinamool Congress has been quick to seize the opportunity. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, have repeatedly reached out to the community. By emphasizing state welfare schemes, including health, education, and women-focused benefits, the TMC is attempting to draw Matuas closer.
Moreover, TMC leaders have accused the BJP of using the community’s demand for citizenship as a “political tool” without genuine intent to resolve it. Mamata Banerjee has positioned herself as a protector of Bengal’s marginalized groups, trying to appeal to Matuas beyond the CAA issue.
📌 Mamata Banerjee’s welfare schemes overview
The Role of CAA and NRC
At the heart of the rift lies the question of CAA implementation. While the BJP has announced rules for the CAA, many Matuas still await clarity on how it will affect their day-to-day status. The delay has created disillusionment.
Complicating matters is the shadow of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). While the BJP claims CAA will protect refugees like Matuas, concerns remain that NRC could put them under scrutiny, leading to renewed uncertainty.
This dual narrative—CAA as a solution and NRC as a threat—has unsettled the community, with political rivals exploiting the ambiguity.
Electoral Stakes
The stakes could not be higher. The Bongaon Lok Sabha seat and several assembly constituencies in North 24 Parganas and Nadia are heavily influenced by Matua voters. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP performed strongly in these areas, largely due to their backing. Any shift in loyalty could significantly alter Bengal’s political landscape.
For the BJP, consolidating Matua support is essential not only for the 2026 Assembly elections but also for maintaining relevance in the run-up to the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.
Voices from the Ground
Ground reports suggest that the community is divided but still open to persuasion. Some Matuas express faith in Shantanu Thakur’s leadership and the BJP’s long-term commitment, while others voice frustration at “unfulfilled promises.”
A middle-aged Matua voter in Thakurnagar was quoted as saying, “We supported BJP because they promised us dignity through citizenship. But years have passed, and we are still waiting. How long must we wait?”
Another youth leader said, “The CAA rules give us some hope, but clarity and speedy implementation are necessary. Otherwise, our future generations will continue to live in uncertainty.”
Analysts’ Perspective
Political analysts believe the BJP’s challenge lies in managing expectations. Dr. Ananya Chatterjee, a political scientist at Jadavpur University, observed:
“The Matua community’s political identity has crystallized around the issue of citizenship. Any delay or half-measure in implementing CAA risks alienating them. At the same time, the BJP cannot afford to appear as if it is favoring one faction of the community over another.”
Others note that the TMC’s focus on welfare measures could gradually erode BJP’s dominance if economic benefits start outweighing symbolic citizenship promises.
Conclusion
The Matua rift has become a political litmus test for the BJP in West Bengal. How the party navigates this sensitive issue will determine not only its relationship with one of Bengal’s most influential communities but also its overall standing in the state.
With 2026 elections inching closer, the BJP faces a critical question: Can it regain the community’s unified support, or will internal rifts and delayed promises weaken its base?
The coming months will be crucial, as both the BJP and TMC intensify outreach efforts. For now, the BJP’s uneasy silence reflects the fragility of its Matua equation—an equation that could decide Bengal’s political future.
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