Thakurnagar, West Bengal, India – Amid escalating tensions in Thakurnagar, West Bengal, Trinamul Congress has condemned the recent attack on Rajya Sabha MP Mamatabala Thakur by BJP candidate Shantanu Thakur. The incident has sparked unrest in the area just before the Lok Sabha elections, leading to a standoff between the two influential figures within the Matua community.
The situation in North 24-Pargana’s Gaighata has intensified, with a significant police presence at the scene to maintain order. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Jahar Sarkar shared a video of the incident on social media, denouncing the alleged attack by Shantanu Thakur on Mamatabala Thakur, highlighting the growing political friction between the two parties.
Trinamul Congress used its social media platforms to protest against the violence, accusing BJP of hooliganism and condemning the attack on Mamatabala Thakur’s residence. The clash between the two leaders has not only disrupted the religious festival season in Thakurnagar but also exposed the deep-rooted divide between BJP and Trinamul supporters within the Matua community.
The conflict escalated when Shantanu Thakur attempted to enter the residence formerly occupied by Boro Ma Binapani Devi, a revered figure in the community. Mamatabala Thakur accused Shantanu of forcibly entering the house, verbally abusing her, and causing distress. Shantanu, on the other hand, claimed that he had the right to enter as Boro Ma’s grandson, leading to a confrontation that resulted in a broken lock.
In response to the allegations, BJP’s state president Sukanta Majumdar defended the party’s candidate, accusing Trinamul of politicizing the incident for their gain. The incident at Boro Ma’s house has further strained the already tense relations between the two political factions, drawing attention to the ongoing legal battle for the control of the Matua community’s apex body.
The clash between Mamatabala Thakur and Shantanu Thakur reflects a larger political and social divide in Thakurnagar, highlighting the challenges faced by the Matua community amid the heightened political atmosphere in West Bengal. The dispute between the two leaders underscores the ongoing power struggle and rivalry between BJP and Trinamul Congress in the region, with implications beyond just political differences.