Modi Focuses on Matua Community in Final Phase of Bengal Elections

Kolkata – As the campaigning for the final phase of elections in West Bengal intensifies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant rally on April 26, 2026, targeting the Matua community and addressing their concerns. He visited the Matua Thakur Temple in Thakurnagar, North 24 Parganas, where he offered prayers to the founders of the Matua sect, Sri Sri Harichand Thakur Ji and Sri Sri Guruchand Thakur Ji. Modi assured attendees that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would facilitate citizenship for Hindu refugees from Bangladesh, a key issue for the Matua population who have largely supported the BJP in previous elections.

West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, also focused on her campaign in the Bhabanipur constituency. During a road show, she strongly criticised the election administration, particularly addressing the recent deletions of under-adjudication voters from the electoral roll. Banerjee remarked, “Those who are arresting now must think about getting arrested in future. Sin spares no one,” illustrating her contention that the current electoral processes are flawed and unfair.

The final phase of the elections is set to take place on April 29, with results to be announced on May 4. Modi’s comments come amidst a backdrop of high voter turnout in the earlier phases of the elections, with the first phase reportedly witnessing record numbers, despite controversies over mass deletions from the voter lists.

In his address, Modi reiterated strong condemnation of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), asserting that the party's arrogance was evident in its declining support. He stated, “West Bengal is not run from the state secretariat but by the goons and criminals sheltered by the party,” positioning the BJP as a viable alternative to the current administration.

As both leaders vie for electoral support, the scenes in West Bengal epitomise the intense political landscape of the state, characterised by a complex interplay of communal demographics and the pressing issues affecting voters. With the elections nearing conclusion, the focus now shifts to how effectively each party can galvanise support from key community groups like the Matuas, whose vote could sway the election outcome considerably.