Union minister and BJP MP Shantanu Thakur said Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee would “not be allowed” to offer prayers at Matua Thakurbari in North 24-Parganas if he visits the shrine with a heavy police presence.
His comments have triggered sharp political confrontation. Mr Banerjee is scheduled to visit Thakurnagar in Bongaon on 9 January, where he is expected to address a public meeting at Taherpur before offering puja at the Harichand Thakur temple, according to TMC leaders. Thakur, however, described the proposed visit as a “show of force” and warned of resistance from the Matua community. “Anyone is free to visit the Thakurbari, there is no objection to that,” Thakur said. “But if Abhishek Banerjee comes with a police force to demonstrate power, we will not allow him to offer puja. Why does he want to enter Thakurnagar just before the elections?” he asked, adding that thousands of Matuas would assemble and protest on the day.
The remarks have intensified political sparring in the Matua-dominated region. The TMC responded with a counter-challenge, asserting that no one could prevent Banerjee from visiting a religious site. District TMC president Biswajit Das said Banerjee would reach Thakurbari around 2 p.m. and stressed that every citizen has the right to visit a place of worship. TMC state vice-president Jayprakash Majumdar launched an attack on the BJP MP, saying: “Why would Abhishek Banerjee go with police? He will go with people. Is the Thakurbari Shantanu Thakur’s ancestral property?” He added that Harichand Thakur preached harmony and devotion, not conflict, accusing Thakur of tarnishing the legacy of the Matua movement.
The war of words has sharpened focus on Thakurnagar, a politically sensitive hub, with both parties seeking to consolidate Matua support ahead of the crucial polls.