Kirtania, a Matua outside Thakurbari, joins BJP cabinet

Bongaon: Ashok Kirtania, the two-time Bongaon Uttar (North) MLA, inducted into the Bengal cabinet, is the only minister from the Matua community who is not a member of the Thakurbari household. From the Thakurbari family, Union minister of state Shantanu Thakur's wife, Soma, and brother, Subrata, are both BJP MLAs.Ahalya Kirtania, his mother, broke down on Saturday while recalling the family's years of financial hardship and her son's struggle-filled journey into public life. An emotional Ahalya said, "We ran the household through immense hardship. I am very happy today. I pray that he serves the people and the country sincerely." She recalled that Ashok had to drive three-wheeler vans to support the family while continuing his education. "There was hardship, but that was our life. Even then, he continued going to school and college. He always listened to me. May God keep him well," she said tearfully.The minister's wife, Moumita, also became emotional while speaking after offering prayers at a local temple. "I cannot express what I feel today. I have no words. He has given me such a beautiful place in life," she said.Moumita also recounted their struggles after marriage, saying that they, however, never lost hope. "I prayed that he continues to move forward, reaches out to people, and performs his duties properly. May he receive everyone's blessings," she added.After taking his oath in Kolkata on Saturday morning, Kirtania returned to his residence in Gandhi Pally, Bongaon town (Ward No. 14 of Bongaon Municipality) in the afternoon. Hundreds of local residents, BJP workers and Matua community members gathered at Bongaon Smart Point near Batar More to accord him a warm reception. The entire town wore a festive look as supporters celebrated his elevation to the cabinet. Family members of the new minister also joined the celebrations. "I am extremely proud that my son has been inducted into the cabinet. As a full-fledged minister of the state, he will stand beside ordinary people and the Matua community and work for the development of the area. I have complete faith in him and bless him wholeheartedly," said Ahalya. Saikat Mitra, a neighbour and resident of Gandhi Pally, said Kirtania was known not only as an MLA but also as a compassionate neighbour. "He is always ready to help people. We are very happy that a person from the Matua community like him has become a minister. We hope he will work further for the development of the Matua community," Mitra told TOI. "Defying the CAA apprehensions, the Matua belt voted overwhelmingly in favour of the BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls. BJP candidates registered convincing victories in constituencies such as Bongaon North, Bongaon South, Gaighata, Bagda, Kalyani, Haringhata and Ranaghat," said Debdas Mondal, a BJP leader.