How is Amit Shah Guiding Bengal BJP Leaders to Combat Trinamool’s Fear Campaign Among Matua Voters?
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Key Takeaways
Kolkata, Dec 31 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed the primary leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal to actively challenge the Trinamool Congress’s misinformation campaign, which is instilling fear among the Matua community regarding their voting rights amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state.
During a press conference held in the city on Tuesday afternoon, the Union Home Minister assured the Matua community that individuals who have applied for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act will retain their voting rights. Later, he convened with the state’s core leadership, where he emphasized the need to counter the Trinamool Congress’ continuous propaganda on this issue, as reported by a member of the BJP's state committee.
He also urged the state leadership to implement regular engagement programs with Matua voters, reassuring them of their voting rights and alleviating their concerns.
“Regarding the procedures for those applying for citizenship under the CAA, the Union Home Minister has promised to personally oversee the matter,” the state committee member stated.
The Matua community consists of individuals from a socially disadvantaged background who migrated to West Bengal as refugees from neighboring Bangladesh, primarily settling in districts like Nadia and North 24 Parganas.
Since the initiation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have persistently claimed that numerous Matua voters are at risk of losing their voting rights.
In addition to addressing the Matua concerns, the Union Home Minister also tasked state leaders to consistently counter the misleading narratives propagated by the CPI(M)-led Left Front and certain factions within the state Congress regarding a supposed clandestine agreement between the BJP and Trinamool Congress.
“Finally, he instructed us to initiate vigorous campaigning for the upcoming state Assembly elections starting in the new year, as polls may occur as early as April,” the state committee member added.