PM Modi Visits Matua Thakur Mandir In Bengal; Recalls Meeting Boro Ma

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Matua Thakur Mandir in Thakurnagar in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district ahead of his public rally. During the visit, he reflected on his earlier meeting with Veenapani Thakur, widely known as Boro Ma.

Sharing his thoughts on X, the Prime Minister posted an image from his 2019 visit and wrote, “Today, while staying at the Matua Thakur Temple, I remembered my visit to this temple a few years ago, when I had received the blessings of Grand Mother Veenapani Thakur. A photo from that visit remains here too…,” recalling his earlier experience at the temple.

Veenapani Thakur, who passed away in 2019, married Pramatha Ranjan Thakur. The Matua Mahasangha traces its origins to Harichand Thakur, who established the movement more than a century ago.

The community largely belongs to the Scheduled Caste Namasudra group, many of whom migrated to India during the Partition and following the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

The Prime Minister also recalled his earlier visit to Orakandi, the birthplace of Harichand Thakur.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi stated, “Many memories resurfaced today. About 4 to 5 years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Orakandi across the border. I met the Matuas there. I went there for the first time as the Prime Minister of India. Performed a puja in the temple. When I went to seek Boro Ma’s blessings, her compassion was overwhelming. I will never forget this,” highlighting the emotional significance of that visit.

During his address, PM Modi reiterated the Centre’s stance on implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, for communities such as the Matuas.

“Syama Prasad Mookerjee won from Kolkata. At that time, Jana Sangh got a lot of support from 24 Parganas and Nadia. He stood by the refugees from East Bengal. He spoke for them. Syama Prasad is considered the spokesperson for the refugees. From Partition till today, all the refugees are our responsibility. It is India’s historical responsibility to think about them. That is why Modi brought the CAA. Why was this not done before? I will tell the Matuas and Namasudras that you will be given citizenship, a permanent address, papers, and all the rights that all citizens of India get. This is Modi’s guarantee,” PM Modi noted, assuring support for refugee communities.

The visit underscored the significance of the Matua community in West Bengal’s socio-political landscape. It also reflected ongoing efforts to address issues related to citizenship, inclusion, and community welfare.

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