Violence erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Friday amid protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, killing three and injuring dozens, including police officers. In the midst of the chaos, Trinamool Congress MP and ex-Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan came under fire for posting a casual Instagram post.
Baharampur Lok Sabha MP Pathan shared a photograph of him drinking tea amidst a peaceful scene on Saturday. It read, “Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment.”
TAKE A LOOK:
View this post on Instagram
Social Media Reactions
People used social media immediately to condemn the timing of the post as a riot was being witnessed in his constituency. Someone commented, “Waha Murshidabad jaal raha hai aur aap ghum rahe ho?” (Murshidabad is on fire and you’re roaming?) and another demanded to know if he even had an idea about what was happening in his constituency???
BJP spokesman Shehzad Poonawala also attacked the ruling Trinamool Congress as well as Yusuf Pathan. On X (formerly Twitter), he posted, “Bengal is burning. HC has said can’t keep eyes closed and deployed central forces. Mamata Banerjee promoting such state shielded violence as Police remains quiet! Meanwhile Yusuf Pathan – MP enjoys a cup of tea and relaxes while Hindus are being butchered… This is TMC.”
More than 138 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violent protests that erupted in the Suti, Samserganj, and Dhuliyan localities. Mobs were said to have torched cars, attacked houses, and fought with the police forces.
The Calcutta High Court, given the growing violence, directed the use of central forces in the concerned areas on Saturday. Yusuf Pathan hasn’t, as of yet, spoken on record about the criticism.
