Why 'Bhaipo' Was Denied Entry Into Matua Shrine In West Bengal

A war of words has broken out between the BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders after Abhishek Banerjee aka 'Bhaipo', which means nephew (of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee), was denied entry to the main temple of the Matua community at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.

Pandemonium prevailed at the entrance of the Harichand Thakur temple or Shree Dham as the TMC leader's visit was spoiled by the leaders of the Matua Mahasangh. Banerjee, however, claimed that 200-250 BJP workers, all supporters of Union Minister of State of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, were involved in blocking his entry.

A battle of supremacy has broken out between the two main parties of West Bengal because the Matua votes hold importance in the upcoming Panchayat polls in the State as the community has a massive population. The community has been the traditional supporters of BJP and the party would obviously not let its confirmed vote bank let go just like it.

The North 24 Parganas district is sensitive particularly on the security front as it is located right on the boarder of Bangladesh and the Matua community has traditionally held fort for the country as well as the BJP as against the massive influx of illegal immigrants of Bangladeshi Muslims. The community, belonging to Scheduled Caste category, has an upper hand in over 70 Assembly constituencies in that region.

The temple is the main one among the three spiritual abodes of the Matua community. According to reports, the demonstrators in order to oppose Banerjee's visit waved black flags and hurled slogans asking him to 'go back'. The Matua Mahasangh leaders reportedly closed the entrance of the temple ahead of his arrival. The Union Minister's brother and Gaighata MLA Subrata Thakur is said have led the protestors on Sunday.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused Banerjee of trying to enter the temple premises 'without permission'. Alleging that TMC workers attacked the Matua Mahasangh members, he said, "He (Banerjee) attempted to go enter the temple with force. This is not right. He should have sought permission. Hats off to the community that they opposed it."

However, in a statement, Banerjee later said: "The holy land is not anyone's property but a temple, open to all irrespective of their caste, creed or religion. Shantanu Thakur and the other BJP workers desecrated the Thakurbari temple through their activities today."

Attacking the saffron party over the incident, TMC general secretary Kunal Ghosh said, "BJP people closed the temple and tried to stop Abhishek Banerjee from entering the temple. BJP is scared of Abhishek Banerjee's Nabojowar (mass outreach campaign) and that is why they are doing it. We will worship in that temple after winning the election."

Meanwhile, police have detained a dozen BJP supporters when they went for primary treatment at the Chandpara block primary health centre. It led to a scuffle with the police in the presence of Union Minister Thakur. According to reports, at least six TMC supporters were also injured and treated at the hospital.