Dedk News : Voice Of Calcutta

As West Bengal waits for the final voter list and the Election Commission’s announcement of poll dates, political tension is rising across the state. In this backdrop, the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Mayapur in Nadia district created strong expectations among the Matua community—particularly on the long-pending issue of citizenship.

However, those expectations were largely disappointed.

During his nearly 24-minute speech at an ISKCON कार्यक्रम in Mayapur, Amit Shah mentioned the Matua community only once and made no statement at all on citizenship. His address focused mainly on spiritual themes, Sanatan culture, and the global role of ISKCON. There was no political assurance or policy clarity for the Matua people, who have been waiting for concrete action on their citizenship status for years.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also avoided any direct reference to Matua citizenship in his Nadia rally. This continued silence from top BJP leadership has triggered anxiety and frustration within the community.

Political observers believe the BJP is now caught in a dilemma. The party had repeatedly raised hopes among the Matua population regarding citizenship under the CAA framework, but as elections approach, its leadership appears to be maintaining strategic ambiguity—neither confirming timelines nor offering firm commitments.

The situation has worsened due to complications in the voter list revision (SIR process). Many Matua residents reportedly faced documentation problems while trying to register or update their names. BJP leaders advised some of them to apply under CAA, but only a handful responded, and the initiative failed to generate mass support.

With the 2024–26 electoral cycle approaching a critical phase, the Matua vote is once again emerging as a decisive factor in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. Yet, the absence of a clear message on citizenship has raised a serious question:

Has the promise of citizenship turned into an election-time balloon that is now slowly deflating?

Voices from within the community reflect deep uncertainty:

“Every election we are remembered. But when it comes to citizenship, everyone remains silent.”

As campaigning intensifies, the future of the Matua community—and its political alignment—now depends on whether national leaders choose clarity over symbolism. For now, disappointment and doubt dominate the mood in Mayapur.

Dedk News : Voice Of Calcutta