Unity Amidst Rivalry: Matua Community's Baruni Mela Unites Political Foes

The annual Baruni Mela, a festival of the Matua community in West Bengal, sees rare political unity between BJP and TMC leaders. Both parties seek influence over the community, pivotal in over 70 assembly constituencies. The event marks a temporary ceasefire in the long-standing familial and political discord.

The annual Baruni Mela of the Matua community kicked off in Thakurnagar, West Bengal, drawing thousands for a holy bath. This event has attained significant political weight, affecting over 70 assembly constituencies, thus attracting both ruling and opposition party members with a keen interest in the community's influence.

This year, the Mela has been co-organized by TMC MP Mamata Bala Thakur and BJP MP Shantanu Thakur, marking a shift from past rivalries. Both parties are attempting to engage the Matua community, descendants of Hindu refugees pivotal in West Bengal's political landscape.

The bipartisan effort has sparked curiosity regarding potential changes in political alliances leading up to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The collaboration at Baruni Mela represents a temporary truce in the historical intra-family and inter-party conflicts, offering a semblance of unity amidst ongoing political friction.

(With inputs from agencies.)