Yusuf Pathan Slammed for Instagram Tea Post as Murshidabad Burns in Waqf Protest Violence
Key Highlights:
Kolkata, April 13, 2025 – As Murshidabad in north Bengal reels under violent clashes over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Trinamool Congress MP and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan has come under fire for a seemingly innocuous Instagram post in which he is seen relaxing with a cup of tea.
While the post captioned “Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment” may have been intended to convey peace, the timing—just days after three people were killed in protest-related violence—has sparked outrage across political and public circles.
Bengal Burns, But Pathan Sips Chai: Social Media Outrage Erupts
The Instagram post, shared two days ago, features Yusuf Pathan in a calm setting with a cup of tea. Netizens and political commentators have since taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, slamming the Trinamool MP for being tone-deaf and indifferent while his state battles bloodshed.
“Do you have any shame?” one user asked on Instagram, tagging his post.
Another wrote, “Murshidabad bleeds, and Yusuf Pathan flaunts his peace. This is leadership in 2025?”
Political Fallout: BJP and Left Target Trinamool and Yusuf Pathan
Bengal is burning
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 13, 2025
HC has said it can’t keep eyes closed and deployed centra forces
Mamata Banerjee is encouraging such state protected violence as Police stays silent!
Meanwhile Yusuf Pathan – MP sips tea and soaks in the moment as Hindus get slaughtered…
This is TMC pic.twitter.com/P1Yr7MYjAM
The post was quickly politicized, with BJP’s national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla leading the charge.
“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 stays silent! Meanwhile Yusuf Pathan – MP sips tea and soaks in the moment as Hindus get slaughtered. This is TMC,” he said in a post on X.
Left parties, too, didn’t hold back in their criticism, accusing Yusuf Pathan of being “visibly disconnected from ground realities.”
A CPI(M) youth leader stated, “It doesn’t matter if it’s 5 km or 80 km away. As a representative of the people, his silence is telling.”
Understanding the Violence: Waqf Amendment Act Protest Turns Deadly
The outrage comes in the backdrop of a violent protest in Murshidabad, where clashes broke out over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, a law that has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly in Muslim-dominated districts.
As per official reports:
- Three people have died in the past 72 hours
- Violence erupted in Suti, Dhuliya, and Samserganj
- Shops were vandalized, and roads blocked
- Over 20 injuries, several in critical condition
In response, the Calcutta High Court issued a strong directive ordering central forces to be deployed in the affected regions.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie show vandalism… Constitutional Courts cannot be a mute spectator,” the court stated.
Where Does Yusuf Pathan Stand in All This?
Yusuf Pathan, a first-time MP from Baharampur, won the seat in 2024 by defeating Congress heavyweight Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, marking a significant political shift in Murshidabad district.
However:
- Suti, Dhuliya, and Samserganj—the key flashpoints—do not fall under his direct parliamentary constituency.
- These are part of Jangipur and Maldaha Dakshin, represented by TMC’s Khalilur Rahaman and Congress’s Isha Khan Choudhury, respectively.
- Yet, the geographical proximity (within 80 km) and shared district boundaries have raised questions on his silence.
Past Controversy: Why Was Pathan Chosen for Bengal?
During the 2024 general elections, many questioned why Yusuf Pathan, a cricketer from Baroda, Gujarat, was chosen to represent a Muslim-majority Bengali constituency.
The TMC countered that Yusuf Pathan was a national figure capable of representing minority voices with dignity and strength.
But critics now argue that his recent social media behavior exposes his disconnect with the people of Murshidabad.
No Response Yet from Yusuf Pathan or Trinamool Congress
As of this writing, Yusuf Pathan has not issued any statement addressing the criticism or the ongoing situation in Murshidabad.
The Trinamool Congress, too, has remained tight-lipped, refraining from commenting on either the violence or the Instagram controversy.
Insiders suggest that party strategists are urging restraint to avoid further escalation.
A Broader Crisis for TMC in Bengal?
The Waqf Amendment Act violence and Yusuf Pathan’s social media misstep come at a time when the TMC is facing heat on multiple fronts:
- Allegations of appeasement politics
- High-profile defections to BJP
- Upcoming panchayat elections, where law and order will be a major issue
“It’s not about one post. It’s about perception. And perception builds narratives,” said political analyst Tapan Ghosh.
What’s the Waqf Amendment Act and Why the Protests?
The Waqf Amendment Act, introduced earlier this year, seeks to:
- Bring stricter regulations over Waqf land usage
- Transfer some administrative powers to the Centre
- Enable audits and land reclamation in disputed cases
While intended as a transparency tool, many in minority communities view it as an infringement on religious autonomy, triggering protests in Murshidabad, Malda, and parts of Birbhum.
Security Measures and Public Sentiment
The West Bengal government has deployed:
- RAF units
- Mobile magistrates
- Drone surveillance in violence-prone zones
Still, there’s rising concern over police inaction and community mistrust.
“We just want peace and protection. Politicians are nowhere to be seen,” said Asif Rahman, a shopkeeper in Suti whose store was vandalized.
A Cup of Tea and a Political Storm
While a tea post may seem trivial, timing is everything in politics. Yusuf Pathan’s failure to acknowledge the ongoing violence, paired with his relaxed post, has not only triggered public outrage but also raised legitimate questions about political accountability in times of crisis.
As Murshidabad continues to simmer, many will be watching closely — not just for law enforcement, but for a human response from those elected to represent.
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