Matua Community Rejects Union Minister's Claim on Identity Cards

Matua Community Rejects Union Minister's Claim on Identity Cards

The Matua community, a Hindu sect with a significant presence in West Bengal, has expressed widespread disapproval of a statement made by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra regarding identity cards issued by the All India Matua Mahasangha. Mishra had claimed that these cards would serve as a "temporary solution" for the Matuas' citizenship issues.

Addressing a religious congregation in Matua abode Thakurnagar on the occasion of Raas Purnima, Mishra asserted that the identity cards would enable Matuas to travel freely without facing harassment. He further stated that the government was committed to providing a permanent solution to the community's citizenship concerns.

However, many Matuas have dismissed Mishra's claims, arguing that the identity cards lack official recognition and offer no tangible benefits. Asim Sarkar, a Matua community member and BJP MLA from Haringhata Assembly segment in Nadia district, termed the minister's statement as a "bluff" and accused the Centre of delaying the framing of citizenship rules while making false promises.

Defending Mishra's statement, Shantanu Thakur, a leader of one faction of the All India Matua Mahasangha, explained that the identity cards were intended to serve as a temporary measure until the government granted citizenship to the Matuas. He also emphasized that the cards would help identify Matuas and facilitate the government's citizenship process.

However, Mamatabla Thakur, leader of another faction of the All India Matua Mahasangha, criticized Mishra's statement as "misleading" and accused the BJP of attempting to mislead the community ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.