Mahua Moitra faces FIR over controversial comments on Matuas, community demands apology for Moitra’s comments

West Bengal’s political landscape was rocked on September 7, 2025, when a section of the Matua community filed a police complaint against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra at Kalyani Police Station in Nadia, West Bengal. The complaint, lodged by members of the All India Matua Sangha, accuses Moitra of making derogatory remarks about the community’s traditional wooden mala (prayer beads), a symbol of their cultural and religious identity. The controversy stems from a recent speech where Moitra criticized some Matua members for allegedly benefiting from TMC welfare schemes while voting for the BJP during elections. Her comments have ignited a firestorm, with the Matua community demanding an apology and legal action.

The Matua community, a significant socio-religious group in West Bengal, holds deep reverence for their founders, Harichand and Guruchand Thakur, who championed social reform and education. The complaint, spearheaded by Ashok Barui, president of the All India Matua Sangha, alleges that Moitra’s remarks mocked their cultural practices, specifically their use of the wooden mala. Barui emphasized that the Matuas are a “peaceful and respectful” community, and Moitra’s statements were not only offensive but also disrespectful to their heritage. “We condemn her words and are seeking justice through the FIR,” Barui said, highlighting the community’s resolve to address the perceived insult.Moitra’s comments, made during a public address, pointed to a perceived political inconsistency among some Matua voters.

Mahua Moitra stated, “They take benefits from Mamata Banerjee’s schemes all year but become ‘Sanatani’ during elections, voting for BJP.” She further remarked, “When it’s time for Lakshmi Bhandar benefits, they wear the wooden mala and come forward, but what happens during elections?” These statements, particularly the reference to the mala, were seen by some Matuas as belittling their identity. The complaint alleges that her words were divisive and aimed at humiliating the community, prompting calls for her to retract her statement and apologize.The TMC MP, known for her fiery rhetoric and unapologetic stance, has not yet publicly responded to the complaint.

However, her remarks have stirred a broader debate about the intersection of politics and community identity in West Bengal. The Matua community, with a significant presence in Nadia and North 24 Parganas, is a key electoral demographic, often courted by both TMC and BJP. Moitra’s comments come at a time when political parties are intensifying efforts to secure Matua support ahead of upcoming elections, making the controversy particularly sensitive.

Critics of Moitra argue that her remarks risk alienating a community that has been pivotal in West Bengal’s political dynamics. The BJP, quick to seize the opportunity, has condemned her statements, with some leaders calling them “anti-Matua” and demanding stricter action. Meanwhile, TMC supporters defend Moitra, arguing that her comments were aimed at highlighting electoral hypocrisy rather than insulting the community’s cultural practices. For the Matua community, the issue is not just about Moitra’s words but about respect for their identity and contributions to society. Whether this escalates into a larger political showdown or prompts a resolution remains to be seen, but for now, the complaint has cast a spotlight on the challenges of navigating community sentiments in a polarized electoral landscape.