While the BJP claims the CAA has given refugees, especially from the Matua community, an identity, the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) claims those applying for citizenship under the CAA would “land up in detention camps, like what happened in Assam”.
Thakur, who holds the shipping, ports and waterways portfolio, is contesting again on a BJP ticket in the hopes of retaining the seat and has campaigned heavily on the CAA. His campaign has highlighted the CAA as a BJP achievement, fulfilling a long-standing demand of refugee communities.
“The CAA has become a reality due to the efforts of the Narendra Modi government. It has given people dignity and fulfilled their long-standing dream. This is Modi’s guarantee. He keeps his promises,” Thakur said at one of his rallies.
However, since its rules were framed in March, there is a sense of fear among the residents in Bangaon in North 24 Parganas district and especially in Thakurnagar, where the headquarters of the All-India Matua Mahasangha, the apex body of the Matuas, is located.
Priya Bhakta, who runs a shop opposite the ‘Thakurbari’, the Mahasangha headquarters, said that none of her family members have applied for citizenship. “There is no talk about the CAA in our households. We no longer have any interest. One party asks us to appeal for citizenship while another party warns us not to do so. We are confused,” the 30-year-old said.
Several others The Indian Express interacted with shared similar opinions on the CAA.
Ayan Baidya, 28, a Bangaon resident, said Matuas want to be considered Indian citizens having previously cast their votes to elect state and national representatives.
“Our family came here in 1952 from Bangladesh. Some people also came here in 1990. There is no clarity on who should apply for citizenship. I had voted last time as I have a voter ID and Aadhaar. Then why am I not a citizen? Why am I not considered as an equal with those living in Haryana, Punjab and Tamil Nadu?” Baidya said.
The TMC has fielded Biswajit Das, a former MLA from Bagdah which falls under the Bangaon Lok Sabha seat, against Thakur. Das was with the TMC from 2009 to 2019 before winning the 2021 Assembly polls on a BJP ticket. However, after the results were announced, he returned to the TMC.
“The PM was elected on Matua votes. If they are not citizens of this country, then how did they take part in the electoral process? Should their votes be cancelled for not being citizens? The CAA is nothing but a gimmick aimed at making people foreigners in their own country,” Das said during his campaign.
The Congress candidate Pratap Biswas, however, has steered clear of the contentious citizenship law.
In the constituency’s Gaighata area, Krishnapada Paik, an auto-driver, said Thakur has done little for Bangaon besides talking about the CAA. “It is really hard to say who is ahead in this election. In terms of development, the TMC is ahead. But when it comes to the CAA sentiments, the BJP is ahead,” he said.
Krishna Chandra Ghosh, another local, said many were scared to apply for citizenship following statements from TMC leaders. “We wanted to apply for citizenship but are reluctant as some leaders are saying that we will end up in detention camps. We are scared,” he said.
About 23 km from Gaighata, in Petrapole – the border checkpoint between India and Bangladesh – the CAA does not appear to resonate among voters. “It is meant for refugees. What do we have to do with it? People here talk about other issues such as jobs and inflation,” said Tarun Das, a resident.
The Bangaon Lok Sabha constituency, since its formation after delimitation in 2008, was held by the TMC until 2019, when Thakur won it with the BJP.