Political Row Erupts in West Bengal Amid Protocol Dispute and Matua Leaders’ Meeting

Kolkata: West Bengal witnessed a fresh political controversy on Saturday after Droupadi Murmu publicly expressed hurt and disappointment over the state government’s decision to change the venue of the International Santal Conference in Darjeeling district and for allegedly not following the expected protocol to receive her.

The development triggered sharp political reactions, with Narendra Modi also responding strongly to the issue. Meanwhile, leaders of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) launched a counter-attack on the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Amid the political exchanges, two influential leaders from rival camps held a closed-door meeting in Thakurnagar—considered the epicentre of the Matua community and located about 75 kilometres from Kolkata.

Meeting Between Rival Leaders

Santanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and a prominent Matua face of the BJP in West Bengal, met Mukut Mani Adhikari, a former BJP leader who later joined the ruling TMC.

The meeting was held at Thakurbari, the residence of the Matua first family. The Matua community is considered electorally influential, playing a decisive role in around 30 Assembly seats and acting as a swing factor in more than 40 constituencies across the state.

Sources said the discussion took place in the ground-floor office of the BJP minister and lasted about 30 minutes, with no other individuals present during the meeting.

Speculation Over Possible Political Shift

According to a BJP source cited by media reports, Mukut Mani Adhikari reportedly expressed interest in returning to the BJP and contesting again from the Ranaghat South Assembly seat, which he currently represents as a TMC legislator.

However, the source added that Santanu Thakur did not offer any commitment, citing strong resentment among BJP cadres against Adhikari for leaving the party during a politically sensitive period.

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Adhikari had resigned from the BJP while serving as an MLA and contested from the Ranaghat Lok Sabha constituency as a TMC candidate. He was defeated by BJP’s Jagannath Sarkar. Later, he secured victory in the by-election for the Ranaghat Dakshin Assembly seat on a TMC ticket.

Sources indicated that several BJP leaders and workers in the Ranaghat organisational district remain opposed to his possible return, with some expressing their displeasure publicly on social media.

Leaders Describe Meeting as Courtesy Visit

Both leaders, however, described the meeting as a routine visit rather than a political negotiation.

Adhikari said he had recently purchased a new car and had brought it to Thakurbari for a ceremonial puja.

“I bought a new car and brought it here for the puja. There is no political connection to it. Anyone can come to Thakurbari,” he said.

Santanu Thakur echoed a similar explanation but left room for speculation, saying that Adhikari himself would be better placed to clarify the matter.

Matua Community’s Political Importance

With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, the meeting has sparked speculation about a possible political realignment within the Matua community.

The Matuas, largely drawn from the Namasudra Dalit population that migrated from present-day Bangladesh, have emerged as a significant political force in the state.

Centred around Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas, the community traces its spiritual and social roots to the teachings of Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur.

The community holds considerable electoral influence in districts such as North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and parts of North Bengal. With the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act—a long-standing demand of many Matuas—sections of the community have increasingly been seen as leaning towards the BJP, where Santanu Thakur remains one of its prominent representatives.