Political clash looms over Baruni Mela of Matuas: TMC & BJP lock horns ahead of religious fair

Kolkata, April 3: The upcoming Baruni Mela of Matuas scheduled for April 6 has stirred political controversy in West Bengal, particularly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The religious fair, an annual event held at Thakurnagar Thakurbari in Gaighata, North 24 Parganas, has become a focal point of contention.

 

 

 

 

Union State Minister and Bangaon Lok Sabha MP, Shantanu Thakur, addressed the media on Tuesday, alleging that TMC leader Mamata Thakur had called for the imposition of Section 144 to halt the Matuas' religious gathering. He further accused the state electricity department of attempting to disrupt the fair by refusing to provide electricity connections.

 

 

 

Shantanu emphasized that despite any attempts to curtail the event through Section 144, the fair would proceed as planned, with a substantial turnout of devotees expected.

 

 

 

 

In response, Mamata Bala Thakur, former MP from the TMC, defended the decision to issue Section 144, stating that it was necessary to prevent potential criminal activities during the fair. She assured that the measure would not inconvenience devotees attending the Matua Mela.

 

 

 

The Matua Maha Mela holds significant cultural importance, showcasing the vibrant traditions of the Matua community. Originating from the lower-class AVARNA Hindus belonging to the Namasudra Scheduled Caste, also known as "Chandalas," the Matua Community celebrates this occasion to honor its heritage, established by Shree Shree Harichand Thakur and further enriched by Guruchand Thakur and Boro Ma.