“Rahul Dada, Come to Bengal”: Why Matuas Visit to Bihar is Shaking up West Bengal Politics and Alarming the BJP
Image via The Indian Express
On August 30, 2025, a delegation of 24 members from the Matua community made their way to Bihar’s Ekma in the Saran district. Their destination? A meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. This unexpected move has caught the political world by surprise, raising alarm bells for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has long viewed the Matua community as a key political ally.
Who Are the Matuas?
The Matua community, primarily a Scheduled Caste group, has its roots in Bangladesh. After the partition of India in 1947, they migrated to India, settling primarily in West Bengal’s Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. Their identity is tied to the struggle for recognition and rights, including citizenship. Over the years, the Matuas have been courted by both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP, depending on the political landscape and the promises made. However, their vote bank has become a subject of intense competition, and their shifting loyalties could have significant implications on the upcoming elections in West Bengal.
What Happened During the Visit?
The visit was not an ordinary political visit. The 24-member Matua delegation from West Bengal visited Bihar, carrying a banner that boldly declared, “Rahul Dada, come to Bengal.” This slogan wasn’t just symbolic; it marked their desire for Rahul Gandhi to connect with the Matua community in Bengal on a more personal and meaningful level. The meeting occurred during Gandhi’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra,” a 16-day campaign aimed at exposing alleged discrepancies in the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.
But it wasn’t just about electoral irregularities. The Matuas’ participation in this event highlighted a larger, more pressing issue for them—marginalization and a demand for more recognition. For many in the Matua community, the meeting was a chance to make their voices heard, especially regarding issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which many feel have been used as political tools rather than solutions for their community’s real concerns.
BJP’s Unease: Why the Visit Matters
The BJP’s discomfort with the visit cannot be ignored. Union Minister Shantanu Thakur, a prominent figure from the Matua community and an ally of the BJP, dismissed the visit as a “family feud” within the Matua leadership. His comments sought to downplay the significance of the visit and the potential political impact. He stated that the BJP would not interfere in the community’s internal matters. However, this attempt to downplay the visit contrasts with the BJP’s underlying worry about losing ground among the Matuas, a crucial vote bank for the party in West Bengal.
The BJP’s unease is amplified by the internal rift within the Matua leadership. Shantanu Thakur, the Union Minister, and his elder brother Subrata Thakur, a BJP MLA, are at odds. This family dispute has created a divide within the Matua community itself, making it harder for the BJP to maintain its influence and control. With such a divided front, the BJP’s hold on the Matua vote bank could be weakening.
The Significance of the Visit: Is a Political Shift on the Horizon?
This visit carries deep political significance. The fact that the Matua delegation is reaching out to Congress, rather than sticking with the BJP, indicates growing disenchantment within the community. For years, the BJP has promised the Matuas citizenship rights under the CAA and NRC, but these promises have remained largely unfulfilled. Many in the community feel they have been taken for granted, leading them to explore other political options.
The Congress, under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, has seized this moment. By engaging with the Matua community, the party is trying to secure an ally that could tip the balance in its favor in the upcoming West Bengal elections. The Matuas, a community that has historically been courted by both the TMC and BJP, could become a powerful voice for Congress if they feel that their concerns are being acknowledged and acted upon.
Rahul Gandhi’s engagement with the Matua delegation was more than just a casual meeting—it was a strategic move to build alliances in the state. By reaching out to the Matua community, which has traditionally been a key player in Bengal’s political theatre, Congress aims to bolster its base, especially in a state where the TMC and BJP have been competing fiercely for dominance. The potential realignment of the Matua community’s allegiance could pose a serious challenge to both the TMC and BJP’s grip on Bengal.
A Rising Tension Between BJP and TMC
The BJP is facing rising challenges, not just from Congress but also from the TMC, which has its own designs on the Matua community. While BJP has cultivated a strong relationship with the Matuas in recent years, the TMC, too, has been wooing the community by making promises related to welfare schemes, education, and health. This tug-of-war between the two parties for the Matua vote reflects the growing political importance of this group.
The visit to Bihar and the interactions with Rahul Gandhi are a clear signal from the Matua community that they are looking for more than just promises—they want tangible outcomes. They are calling for a platform that speaks to their aspirations, a platform that offers solutions to the issues they face in areas like citizenship, social justice, and political representation.
A Glimpse Into Bengal’s Political Future
This visit could have far-reaching consequences for West Bengal’s political future. As the state prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, the Congress’s efforts to woo the Matua community could be a game-changer. With both the TMC and BJP vying for the support of the Matua community, the Congress is positioning itself as a viable alternative for the community’s vote.
The BJP, for its part, will need to regroup and address the concerns of the Matua community. The party will need to navigate its internal divisions and rebuild trust within this crucial vote bank. If it fails to do so, it could face a significant challenge in maintaining its influence in Bengal.
Conclusion: What Does the Future Hold?
The Matua community’s visit to Bihar and their outreach to Rahul Gandhi marks a turning point in West Bengal politics. This gesture not only reflects their growing disillusionment with the BJP but also signals the potential for a shift in political allegiances. The Matua community’s vote could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming elections in Bengal. As the political drama unfolds, it will be interesting to see which party can ultimately win the trust and support of this influential community.
This development is a reminder that in the volatile world of Indian politics, alliances can shift rapidly, and no vote bank is ever truly safe.