Thakurnagar, West Bengal – The recent clash between Trinamul Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mamatabala Thakur and BJP Bongaon MP candidate Shantanu Thakur has sparked unrest in the Thakurnagar area. The incident, occurring just before the Lok Sabha elections, has escalated tensions in North 24-Pargana’s Gaighata with a significant police presence being deployed to the scene.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions from both parties, with TMC Rajya Sabha MP Jahar Sarkar posting a video of the alleged attack and condemning the violence. The video, shared on social media platforms, captured the altercation between Shantanu Thakur and Mamatabala Thakur, prompting strong reactions from the Trinamul Congress party.
The clash between Mamata and Shantanu extends beyond just political differences, delving into religious and community divides within the Matua community. Both individuals hold significant influence within separate religious organizations, reflecting the larger divide between BJP and Trinamul supporters even among community members. The legal battles surrounding the leadership of the Matua community’s apex body have only added fuel to the fire.
The turmoil in Thakurnagar has disrupted the air of the religious festival season, with tensions running high between the two influential figures. Mamatabala’s complaint against Shantanu for physical assault has added to the already tense environment in the region.
In response to the allegations, BJP’s state president Sukanta Majumdar defended Shantanu, citing women’s empowerment initiatives by the central government. However, Mamatabala remains firm in her accusations against Shantanu, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the impact it has had on the local community.
The clash at Binapani Devi’s residence, a revered figure in the community until her passing in 2019, has brought to light deep-rooted tensions and power struggles within the Matua community. Mamatabala’s account of the events paints a picture of a violent intrusion into a sacred space, further amplifying the divide between the two factions.
The ongoing conflict between Mamatabala Thakur and Shantanu Thakur serves as a microcosm of the larger political and social tensions within West Bengal, highlighting the complex interplay of religion, politics, and power dynamics in the region. The repercussions of this clash are likely to reverberate beyond just the individuals involved, shaping the narrative of the political landscape in the area and possibly influencing the upcoming elections.