West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has been engulfed in violence following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which have left three people dead and over 150 arrested. Amid this turmoil, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Yusuf Pathan, a former cricketer, has drawn public ire for an Instagram post in which he appeared relaxed, sipping tea while the region faced significant unrest.
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, Pathan shared three photos on Instagram with the caption, "Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment." This post sparked a backlash from various quarters, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which criticized him for his perceived insensitivity during a crisis. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla was particularly vocal, stating on social media, "Bengal is burning. HC has said it can’t keep eyes closed and deployed central forces. Mamata Banerjee is encouraging such state-protected violence as police stay silent! Meanwhile, Yusuf Pathan—MP—sips tea and soaks in the moment as Hindus get slaughtered… This is TMC."
The violence in Murshidabad erupted on Friday, April 11, as protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned chaotic, leading to clashes that resulted in deaths and injuries. Reports indicate that at least 18 police officers were among the injured, and numerous vehicles were set ablaze as mobs clashed with security forces. The situation has prompted the Calcutta High Court to order the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to restore order in the affected areas.
In response to the unrest, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged citizens to refrain from engaging in "non-religious activity in the name of religion" and announced that the Waqf law would not be implemented in the state. Despite these efforts, tensions remain high, with violence reported in several districts, including Malda and South 24 Parganas.
Pathan, who represents the Baharampur constituency in the Lok Sabha, has faced significant backlash online, with many questioning his priorities as an elected representative. Social media users expressed their outrage, with one user commenting, "Waha murshidabad jaal raha hai aur aap ghum rahe ho?" (Murshidabad is burning and you’re traveling). Another user asked, "Do you even know what’s going on in your constituency?"
Poonawalla’s comments further amplified the criticism directed at Pathan, as he noted that the MP's apparent detachment from the crisis reflects the priorities of the TMC. He remarked, "Mamata Banerjee has picked up a cricketer named Yusuf Pathan from somewhere and gave him a ticket. The vote bank made him win in Baharampur, and today when Bengal is burning, Hindus are being selectively killed, Yusuf Pathan is enjoying sipping tea… This is the priority of TMC."
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, which has been a focal point of the protests, was passed in early April and has faced opposition from various groups. The BJP has initiated a "Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign" to highlight the benefits of the Act to the Muslim community, scheduled to run from April 20 to May 5.
In the wake of the violence, the Calcutta High Court emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie shows vandalism in a few districts of the State of West Bengal." The court's intervention underscores the gravity of the situation as authorities work to quell the unrest.
Pathan's post, juxtaposed against the backdrop of violence, has raised questions about the responsibilities of public figures during times of crisis. While he has not publicly responded to the criticism, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and the role of elected officials in addressing the concerns of their constituents.
As the situation in Murshidabad continues to unfold, the focus remains on restoring peace and addressing the underlying issues that have led to such unrest. The state's political landscape is also under scrutiny, with the actions of leaders like Pathan and Banerjee being closely examined by both supporters and detractors.
In conclusion, the juxtaposition of Yusuf Pathan's Instagram post against the violent backdrop in Murshidabad has ignited a firestorm of criticism. As West Bengal grapples with the fallout from the Waqf (Amendment) Act protests, the accountability of public officials and the response of the state government remain critical points of discussion.
