Thu Nov 06 04:54:02 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article rewrite:

Summary:

A faction of the Matua community in West Bengal, led by TMC MP Mamata Bala Thakur, has launched a hunger strike protesting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. They demand unconditional citizenship for refugees, including Matuas, residing in India until 2024. The protesters fear the SIR will disenfranchise marginalized minorities. BJP MP Shantanu Thakur, leader of another Matua faction, dismisses the protest as politically motivated and claims the protesters are likely Bangladeshi nationals. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a rally opposing the SIR and accused BJP’s CAA camps of profiting from the situation. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari held a counter-rally, urging Hindu refugees to apply for citizenship through the CAA.

News Article:

Matua Community Hunger Strike Erupts in West Bengal Over Voter List Revision

Kolkata, November 6, 2025 – A segment of the Matua community in West Bengal has initiated a hunger strike in Thakurnagar, protesting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Led by Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, the protesters, members of the All India Matua Mahasangh, are demanding unconditional citizenship for refugees residing in India until 2024, including the Matua community.

“Unconditional citizenship should be given to the uprooted refugees… by enacting a new law,” stated Ms. Thakur in a social media post. Protesters fear the SIR process will disenfranchise marginalized minorities by removing their names from the voter rolls.

The protest is taking place in front of the Thakurbari, the community’s spiritual headquarters.

However, BJP MP Shantanu Thakur, who heads a different faction within the Matua community, has dismissed the hunger strike as a political stunt. He alleged that the protesters are likely “Bangladeshi nationals” and doubtful voters, further accusing Mamata Bala Thakur of political posturing for not participating directly in the hunger strike.

The protests follow a rally led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Tuesday, where she condemned the SIR process and accused BJP-led Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) camps of profiting from the situation. Banerjee assured the Matua community of her support.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari held a counter-rally, urging Hindu refugees to apply for citizenship through the CAA camps, promising them protection. The TMC has consistently opposed the CAA, advising West Bengal residents not to apply. The situation remains tense as both sides trade accusations, highlighting the deep divisions within the Matua community and the broader political landscape of West Bengal.

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