Bengal factions may unite for Matua Baruni Mela

In North 24 Parganas, two rival groups within the Matua Thakurbari are considering joining forces for this year's Matua Baruni Mela. The groups are led by Union minister Shantanu Thakur and Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Bala Thakur. The fair is set to start on March 27. The breakthrough was largely attributed to Madhuparna Thakur, the youngest Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Bengal. She met with both factions along with senior district officials and helped facilitate discussions. After their meeting, they agreed to collaborate for the fair. However, there is still some confusion. The North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad announced that only Mamata Bala's group received official permission to hold the fair. Shantanu's faction did not submit the required documents in time. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister, sent her good wishes for the event. Madhuparna expressed hopes of unity during the fair. She acknowledged the family ties between the two factions and intends to discuss organizing the event together with Shantanu. Mamata Bala voiced her support for cooperation but pointed out past conflicts caused by Shantanu’s group. While Mamata Bala's faction has received official approval, Shantanu's side argues that the law used for this decision is outdated. Despite the tensions, Shantanu’s representative stated that a joint committee will be created to help oversee the fair. This year's event could either bring the groups together or highlight ongoing rivalries within the Matua community.