Matuas now await CAA implementation

Celebrations were seen in Thakurnagar in Bongaon, home to the Matua community, after the local MP Shantanu Thakur took charge as Union minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways on Thursday.

Community members said they were happy to have a representative from their community in the council of ministers and that they would look forward to the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Celebrations had started at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas right after Thakur’s name featured in the ministers’ list in the cabinet reshuffle on the previous day. “The BJP prefers to work for the Matua community and by making Shantanu Thakur a minister, it has given respect to uplift the status of the Matuas in the country. The people of the community will look forward to the implantation of the Citizenship Amendment Act,” said Manoj Mondal, a neighbour of Thakur in Bongaon.


Matuas were seen dancing on the road and praying inside a temple, rejoicing at Thakur's oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday. They said Thakur will represent them in the ministry and put forward their problems to the central government. The community is looking forward to the implementation of the CAA, which has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.