THAKURNAGAR, April 19 -- In the Matua heartland of Thakurnagar in North 24-Parganas, elections have long revolved around identity. This time, that identity appears under threat after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which saw many names deleted from voter rolls.

A sense of insecurity has gripped the community, with several families reporting missing names and some alleged suicides linked to the exclusions. The exercise has also deepened divisions within the Matuas, who dominate at least 34 Assembly seats and influence another 24 along the India-Bangladesh border-making them crucial for both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The divide is reflected within the influential Thakur family. Subrata Thakur, BJP MLA and All India Matua Mahasangh chairman, is contesting from Gaighata against TMC's Narottam Biswas. His brother, Shantanu Thakur, is a Union minister. The Constituency has an SC population of 43.81%-49.13%, largely Namasudra Matuas.

In neighbouring Bagda, TMC candidate Madhuparna Thakur-daughter of former MP Mamata Bala Thakur-is contesting against BJP's Soma Thakur, wife of Shantanu Thakur and her sister-in-law. Bagda has an SC population of 53.14%-54.81%, with Matuas forming over 40% of voters. "This fractured family mirrors a divided community," said Madhuparna, alleging widespread distress post-SIR. "I helped a Ranaghat family whose head died by suicide after his name was deleted. Hundreds of documents remain under scrutiny."

Many Matuas who backed the BJP in 2021 and 2024 and applied under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) now find their names missing. A BJP leader said 90,000 applicants had received CAA certificates, but admitted the situation could impact elections. Subrata Thakur accused the TMC of spreading misinformation and alleged voter intimidation-claims the ruling party denies. On the ground, anxiety is palpable. "There is nervousness on both sides, but people are deeply disturbed. The fight will be close," said tea seller Jagdish Manna near Thakurbari.

For decades, the Matuas voted as a bloc under matriarch Binapani Devi. That cohesion is now fraying amid competing claims of representation. Campaigns have shifted from governance to identity, with no clear consensus on who represents the community. The split is stark in Gaighata and Bagda, where electoral battles resemble a family feud over the Matua legacy.

Historically, the community aligned strategically with power. Pramatha Ranjan Thakur, great-grandson of founder Harichand Thakur, was a Constituent Assembly member in 1946, later a Congress MLA and minister, and an MP from Nabadwip under Bangla Congress.

Representation has since remained within the Thakur family across generations. Unlike Muslim voters who shifted towards secular parties, Matuas prioritised security and continuity. The 2026 polls and SIR, however, have disrupted that pattern-leaving the once cohesive bloc fragmented and uncertain.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.