Abhishek Banerjee denied entry into Matua shrine, BJP schools 'seek permission'

Why you’re reing this: A massive war of words broke out between leers of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after TMC’s second-in-command, Abhishek Banerjee, was allegedly prevented from offering puja in main temple of Matua community at Thakurnagar in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas on Sunday, June 12. Following development, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led party attacked saffron camp stating that BJP is scared of Abhishek Banerjee's Nabo Jowar (mass outreach campaign). 

3 Things You Need To Know: 

• Abhishek Banerjee has claimed that 200-250 BJP workers were involved in blocking his entry into Matua shrine.

• BJP's Suvendu hikari has alleged that TMC's Banerjee tried to enter temple 'on basis of power.'

• Matua votes hold importance in upcoming West Bengal Panchayat polls as community has a massive population.

Ruckus over Abhishek Banerjee’s temple visit 

A major ruckus was reported in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas on Sunday after national general secretary of Trinamool Congress and Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee’s visit to Thakurbari temple was spoiled by supporters of Union Minister of State of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur and leers of Matua Mahasangh. According to reports, demonstrators in order to oppose Banerjee’s visit waved a black flag and hurled slogans asking him to 'go back'.

In order to oppose Abhishek Banerjee’s visit, Matua Mahasangh leers reportedly closed entrance of Thakurbari Temple ahe of his arrival. 

War of words between BJP and TMC 

Issuing a statement following chaos, Abhishek Banerjee took to Twitter and wrote, “Around 200-250 BJP workers were involved in blocking my entry to temple. holy land is not anyone's property but a temple, open to all irrespective of ir caste, creed or religion. Shantanu Thakur and or BJP workers desecrated Thakurbari temple through ir activities today.”  

Attacking saffron party over chaos that ensued outside Thakurbi temple, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said, “BJP people closed temple and tried to stop Abhishek Banerjee from entering temple. BJP is scared of Abhishek Banerjee's Nabojowar (mass outreach campaign) and that is why y are doing it. We will worship in that temple after winning election.” 

While Abhishek Banerjee accused BJP of blocking his entry into temple, BJP leer Suvendu hikari accused TMC leer of trying to enter temple premises ‘without permission’. Accusing TMC workers of attacking Matua Mahasangh members, hikari said, “He (Abhishek Banerjee) attempted to go enter temple with force. This is not right. He should have sought permission. Hats off to community that y opposed it.” 

Spotlight on Matua community politics 

Matua community in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas, which border neighbouring Banglesh, has again gared helines following clash between TMC and BJP ahe of high-stakes Panchayat polls in state. Matua Thakurbari temple, a holy pilgrimage of Matua community, gained attention in national politic as well as BJP leers asked Union Home Minister to look into matter and sought security for office bearers of Matua Thakurbari.

BOTTOMLINE:

Matua votes also hold importance for upcoming West Bengal Panchayat polls as community, belonging to Scheduled caste group, has a massive population in state and influences over 70 Assembly constituencies. Meanwhile, community is important for BJP as it will help party have an upper hand in coming 2024 Lok Sabha polls.