The contentious citizenship concerns of the Matua community have resurfaced in West Bengal as the Election Commission conducts its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The exercise comes months ahead of the Assembly election next year and has triggered fresh anxiety among the community.
The West Bengal BJP has approached the Election Commission over these concerns.
The party urged the EC to strengthen the SIR process, arguing that the state poses challenges not seen in Bihar during the first phase of the exercise.
In its letter dated November 26, the BJP said the Matua community and similarly placed Hindu migrants remain dissatisfied due to a lack of clarity on their documentation status.
The Matuas are a socio-religious group of Namashudra Hindus with roots in present-day Bangladesh.
Millions migrated to India during Partition, with a major influx during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
The migration continues as many still face religious persecution across the border.
While many Matuas obtained citizenship through legal procedures, more recent arrivals continue to wait.
Rumours surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC), especially after the Assam exercise, further fuelled fear in the community.
Political parties have leveraged their vulnerability for decades since the Matuas form the second-largest Scheduled Caste group in the state.
Over time, internal divisions have emerged, especially after the death of the community’s matriarch.
Today, the community stands split. One faction supports the Trinamool Congress, while another backs the BJP.
Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur’s claim that 1.2 crore ‘illegal voters’ may be removed via SIR has unsettled many Matuas.
He later reassured them that he would help with documentation under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
However, the CAA process requires proof of domicile and evidence of religious persecution, making verification lengthy.
The BJP has urged the EC to address the community’s concerns through targeted communication and administrative support.
The party warned that delays could deepen disillusionment.
Meanwhile, another Matua faction led by Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Thakur has launched protests, including hunger strikes, against the SIR process.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also led a protest march and rally in Thakurnagar, the community’s heartland.
The Matua movement began with Harichand and Guruchand Thakur, who united the Namashudra community for reform, equality, and social upliftment.
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