Saralnama
Two BJP brothers, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur and MLA Subrata Thakur, are in a public dispute over control of the Matua community's power centre in West Bengal. The conflict began after Shantanu organised Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) workshops at the Matua pilgrimage site, Natmandir, which Subrata opposed. The Matua community influences at least 40 Assembly seats in districts like North 24 Parganas and Nadia. The BJP has asked its leaders not to comment, calling it a family matter. The split worries the party as it tries to keep the support of 15 million Matuas, a key voter group. Their mother supports Subrata, while other family members back Shantanu. The dispute has created tension within the community and the BJP just before important state elections. The Matua community has long sought citizenship rights under the CAA, and the workshops aimed to help with this process. The party hopes the issue will be resolved soon but has not given a clear timeline. (Updated 28 Aug 2025, 11:32 IST; source: link)