Kolkata, 21 July (H.S.).

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP and Matua community leader Mamata Bala Thakur has levelled serious allegations against the Central government and Union Minister Shantanu Thakur, accusing them of extorting money from members of the Matua community under the pretext of granting citizenship.

Speaking from the stage at TMC’s annual Martyrs’ Day rally at Dharmatala, Thakur alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was misleading the Matua community with false promises of citizenship and exploiting their sentiments for political gains. “The BJP is playing with the emotions of the Matua people by taking money in the name of granting citizenship. This is nothing but vote-bank politics,” she said.

She further claimed that despite Shantanu Thakur's repeated assurances to the community, neither has citizenship been granted nor has there been any transparency in the process. “False hopes have been sold to the Matuas, but there is no sign of any legitimate progress,” Thakur added.

Highlighting the TMC government’s commitment to the Matua community, Thakur pointed out that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has consistently ensured dignity and rights for the community. “It is the TMC that has stood by us, not the BJP,” she declared.

The remarks have sparked significant political debate, especially given the Matua community's decisive influence over several Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal. TMC’s sharp criticism is seen as a strategic move to tap into the growing discontent among the community ahead of upcoming elections.

Neither the Centre nor Minister Shantanu Thakur has responded to the allegations as of yet. However, political observers believe TMC is likely to intensify its attack on this issue in the coming months.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh