Thanks to Bengal’s youngest MLA, Thakurbari may finally see factions join hands
Times of India | 22 March 2025
Thakurnagar (North 24 Parganas): In an unprecedented turn of events, the two rival factions of the Matua Thakurbari — one led by Union minister Shantanu Thakur and the other by Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Bala Thakur — are likely to join hands to organise this year's Matua Baruni Mela. According to sources, the factions have agreed to set aside their differences, at least temporarily, to conduct the mega fair, scheduled to begin on March 27.
The main force behind the breakthrough, sources said, was Madhuparna Thakur, Bengal's youngest MLA who represents Bagdah. During a district administration meeting on Thursday, Mamata Bala's daughter Madhuparna bridged the gap between the two sides. "During an hour-long meeting, held in the presence of senior district officials including ADM Pinaki Ranjan Pradhan, both factions agreed to collaborate in organising the fair," said a senior district official.
However, in the evening, North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad sabhadhipati Narayan Goswami announced that permission for the fair had been granted only to Mamata Bala's faction, as Shantanu's group had failed to submit necessary documents. CM Mamata Banerjee also extended her best wishes for the event.
Despite the dispute, however, Madhuparna said the Thakurbari family would try to keep politics aside and be united. "For the past 15 years, my mother has been receiving permission to organise the fair. Shantanu and Subrata Thakur are my elder brothers (cousins). We share the same lineage. During Bagda election, I had sought my brothers' blessings. I will speak to Shantanu about organising the mela together," she said.
Speaking from Delhi, Mamata Bala said: "We were always confident about receiving permission as we submitted all required documents. I have always been open to organising the fair together, but Shantanu's group created unnecessary conflicts. Even now, we welcome their participation."
While the administration has officially granted permission to Mamata Bala's faction, the Shantanu faction maintains that the old law used for approval was invalid. Despite this, however, Shantanu's representative in the meeting, Sukhendu Gayan said: "A joint committee will be formed with representatives from both factions to oversee the organization of the fair." The minister had earlier moved the Calcutta High Court seeking permission for the Baruni Mela. Reviewing the case, Justice Amrita Sinha had observed that the 1963 Zilla Parishad Act had become obsolete following the enactment of the 1973 Panchayat Act.
A section of Matua leadership believes this year's fair could mark a new phase in the Matua movement — whether in unity or in continued rivalry.