Abhishek Banerjee's visit to Thakur Temple obstructed by locked doors, accuses Union Minister Shantanu

The Chief Punya Thakur Temple in Thakurnagar, North 24 Parganas, became the center of a heated dispute as Abhishek Banerjee, the National General Secretary of Trinamool Congress, attempted to visit the temple during the 46th day of Navajwar Yatra.

However, upon his arrival, he discovered that the temple was locked, allegedly by Union Minister Shantanu Thakur, who is also the local MP and President of the Matua Mahasangh.

Accusations flew as Banerjee claimed that the worship at the temple was obstructed deliberately under the leadership of Shantanu Thakur. In response, Banerjee visited the adjacent Shri Guruchandra Thakur Ji Maharaj temple to offer prayers. He criticized Shantanu Thakur for engaging in political maneuvering within the sacred premises and accused him of deceiving and misleading the Matua community for personal gain.

Banerjee further emphasized that the blessings of the elders and the support of the Matua community have always been with the Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He condemned Shantanu Thakur's alleged actions as part of a conspiracy and expressed confidence that the people of the Matua community, feeling betrayed and deceived, will place their trust in the Trinamool Congress and remove the BJP from power.

The incident drew attention from other Trinamool leaders, including Tapas Roy, the President of North 24 Parganas, and Minister Sujit Bose, who were present alongside Abhishek Banerjee. Banerjee reiterated that the temple should be open to all and emphasized the importance of equal rights for everyone to see and pray.

While Banerjee respected the sentiments of the people and refrained from forcefully entering the temple, he criticized Shantanu Thakur for allegedly using religion and the temple for political gains.

He expressed concern over reports of security officials entering the temple wearing shoes, which is considered against religious norms. Banerjee also mentioned incidents of attacks on women and sadhus, vowing to investigate further and let the public respond to such actions.