Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee is scheduled to visit Thakurbari in Thakurnagar on January 9. The political atmosphere surrounding his visit has been steadily intensifying.
On Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Shipping and Bongaon BJP MP Shantanu Thakur issued a warning, stating that Abhishek Banerjee would not be allowed to enter Thakurbari if he arrived with a police contingent. On Wednesday, Sukesh Chandra Chowdhury, General Secretary of the Trinamool-influenced All India Matua Mahasangha, responded sharply. He warned that if anyone attempted to stop Abhishek Banerjee, "there would be a flood of blood at Thakurbari."
Tension over entry into Thakurbari
Last year, Abhishek Banerjee visited Thakurbari as part of the statewide 'Nabo Jowar' programme. However, Shantanu Thakur prevented him from entering the Harichand Thakur temple. The Union Minister had taken control of the temple premises with his security personnel and BJP supporters even before Banerjee arrived, resulting in his inability to offer prayers.
Speaking at Thakurbari on that day, Abhishek Banerjee had said, "If I wanted, I could have entered Harichand Thakur's temple. But I did not want an uncomfortable situation to be created at Thakurbari."
Also Read | Nandini Chakraborty appointed West Bengal Chief Secretary, Jagdish Prasad Meena named Home Secretary
In the present situation, Bagda Trinamool MLA Madhuparna Thakur has appealed to her cousin Shantanu Thakur not to repeat such actions. She said, "Earlier, the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister had visited Thakurbari with security forces, and there were police personnel present as well. If there was no problem then, why should there be a problem now? Abhishek Banerjee is an MP, and police presence is natural. I request 'Dada' not to take such a step this time."
Citizenship concerns among Matua community
Around 1.2 lakh members of the Matua community in the Bongaon subdivision are scheduled to appear before the Election Commission for hearings. Due to a lack of necessary documents, many Matuas fear that despite living in India for decades, they may once again be rendered stateless. Even after assurances from the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, the community says it has not received adequate reassurance.
In this context, many ordinary Matua devotees are keenly awaiting Abhishek Banerjee's message on the citizenship issue during his visit to Thakurbari.
Also Read | Is the charm of 'Happy New Year' greeting cards in Kolkata slowly fading away?
Meanwhile, shortly after Abhishek's programme was announced, Shantanu Thakur adopted a confrontational stance. Initially, he said that anyone could visit Thakurbari. Soon after, however, he added, "Abhishek Banerjee had come to Thakurbari last year with police forces. If he comes in the same manner this time, I will not allow him to enter."
Responding to this, Sukesh Chandra Chowdhury said, "Thakurbari is not Shantanu Thakur's personal property. Boroma donated all the properties of Thakurbari as an endowment in the name of Harichand and Guruchand Thakur. This house belongs to Matua devotees. Abhishek Banerjee will come and offer prayers. If anyone tries to stop him, the Matuas will resist. If necessary, there will be a flood of blood at Thakurbari."
