Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed the core leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal to combat Trinamool Congress’ propaganda targeting the Matua community’s voting rights during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state. Shah, addressing a press conference in Kolkata, assured the Matua community that the voting rights of those who have applied for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act will be safeguarded. He further directed state party leaders to address the misinformation spread by Trinamool Congress on this issue.
Additionally, Shah urged the core state leadership to engage in regular interactions with Matua community members to allay their fears and ensure the protection of their voting rights. A state BJP committee member confirmed that the Home Minister personally assured them of addressing the citizenship application formalities under the CAA.
The Matuas, a socially disadvantaged group who migrated from Bangladesh to West Bengal and settled primarily in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts, have been a focal point of concern during the SIR in the state. Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have raised alarms about potential voting right losses for Matua voters.
Apart from the Matua issue, Shah instructed state leaders to counter the narratives of the CPI(M)-led Left Front and some Congress leaders in West Bengal alleging a covert understanding between BJP and Trinamool Congress. The Home Minister also emphasized the need for an early start to aggressive campaigning for the upcoming state Assembly elections, anticipating polls as early as April next year.
