In Rani Ma vs Mahua battle for Krishnanagar, Matuas are kings

The town of Krishnanagar, whose rich culture and history go back to the time of 18th century ruler Raja Krishnachandra Roy and the Battle of Plassey, is witnessing a high-voltage fight for its Lok Sabha seat.

Mahua Moitra, the investment-banker-turned-politician who was expelled from Parliament over the cash-for-question allegation, is again the Trinamool Congress candidate while BJP has fielded Amrita Roy, a descendant of the Krishnachandra Roy family. Voting is scheduled for May 13.

Krishnachandra Roy, a zamindar of Nadia who was always referred to as "Raja" and Amrita Roy, the current head of the family, is often called "Rani Ma". While she is contesting her first election, Moitra is vying for a second term.


The Battle of Plassey, which saw the fall of the last independent nawab, Siraj-ud-Daulah, has become a talking point. Trinamool Congress has been attacking the BJP candidate, claiming that her forefather Raja Krishnachandra Roy had betrayed the country by helping the British and Mir Jafar to bring down the Nawab.

Matua vote bank

The constituency has a substantial share of the Matua community in Krishnagar and Tehatta - numbering around 2.5-3 lakh, as per local sources.

"There is a tilt towards the BJP. Just like the division in Matua Mahsangh between BJP candidate and sitting MP (of Bangaon) Shantanu Thakur and Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Mamatabala Thakur, there is clear political division among the Matuas. The Matua Bhaktas (disciples) are distinctly divided and the political division is clear," Anil Mohanta, who was associated with the Matua movement, told ET.

Muslim voters

A significant factor in the electoral battle of Krishnanagar is the Muslim community. Trinamool's strength has been visible in the three Muslim-dominated assembly segments of Kaliganj, Nakashipara and Chapra. In the remaining four - Tehatta, Palashipara, Krishnanagar Uttar and Krishnanagar Dakshin - BJP is likely to pose a tough fight with Tehatta being Matua-dominated.

The Muslim-dominated areas of Nakashipara, Chapra Palashi have traditionally voted for the CPI-M. However, during the 2021 assembly polls, Muslims consolidated in favour of the Trinamool.

The Muslims appreciate Mamata government's work and many say they would vote for her "development". However, violence played an important role after 2021 elections, especially in panchayat polls. Some Muslims, who are Trinamool supporters, saythey could not vote in panchayat polls.

"We are not bothered about LS candidates. We have not seen her (Moitra) in five years. A LS is a huge area with seven assembly segments. It is not possible to visit all. But Didi's (Mamata Banerjee's) development has touched us," said Iyanal Musnhi, a grocery shop owner in Palashi.

Trinamool had won six of the seven assembly segments in 2021. BJP's Mukul Roy won the seventh: Krishnanagar Uttar.