Kolkata, 05 March (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid homage to Binapani Devi, the spiritual guide of the Matua community, on her death anniversary on Thursday, highlighting her lifelong contributions to social equality and humanity. In a morning tweet, the Chief Minister noted that the Matua Mahasangha, following the path shown by Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur, has played a significant role in social reform and renaissance in Bengal.
Banerjee described her relationship with Binapani Devi as deeply personal and spiritual, recalling the maternal affection she received from the revered leader. She further stated that the state government had honoured Binapani Devi with the highest state award, Bangabhushan, in recognition of her social contributions.
The Chief Minister outlined initiatives aimed at the welfare and development of the Matua community, including the formation of the Matua Development Council and Namashudra Development Council. Government holidays have been declared on the birth anniversaries of Harichand Thakur. Educational infrastructure has been strengthened with the establishment of Harichand Guruchand University in Thakurnagar and its expansion campus in Krishnanagar, as well as the opening of P.R. Thakur Government College, a new ITI, and a Polytechnic College in Gaighata. Other development projects include the creation of farmers’ markets, a flower market in Thakurnagar, water supply through the Habra-Gaighata water project, and construction of several bridges, including the Mudighata Bridge over the Ichhamati River.
The Chief Minister also criticised policies of the central BJP government, alleging that the Matua community has been pushed into an unstable and confusing situation. She accused authorities of politically exploiting citizenship issues and deliberately excluding members of the Matua community from voter lists through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Banerjee described the uncertainty faced by generations of citizens as “unjust.”
She reaffirmed her commitment to continue the struggle for protecting the rights of the Matua community and the people of Bengal, assuring that no harm will be allowed to befall the state’s citizens.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
