Yusuf Pathan Faces Backlash Over Tea Post Amid Murshidabad Violence; BJP, Left Question TMC MP's Silence During Unrest

New Delhi: As Murshidabad continues to reel under the devastating impact of violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan landed in controversy over a social media post that many have called "tone-deaf." The former Indian cricketer posted images of himself enjoying tea in a relaxed setting, just as unrest gripped several parts of the district he represents in the Parliament.

Pathan, who was elected from Baharampur in 2024, shared the pictures on Instagram two days ago with the caption, "Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment."

The post quickly drew the ire of netizens and political opponents, who accused the TMC MP of being indifferent to the ongoing violence in nearby areas and questioned his silence.

BJP's national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla lashed out at Pathan and the Mamata Banerjee-led government, alleging state-sponsored silence during the crisis. “Bengal is burning... Meanwhile Yusuf Pathan - MP sips tea and soaks in the moment as Hindus get slaughtered. This is TMC,” Poonawalla posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The backlash hasn't been limited to the BJP. Even supporters of the Left parties expressed disapproval, calling Pathan’s post "ill-timed and insensitive." One Instagram user commented, “Do you have any shame?”

"Our constituency is burning and you are posting here on Instagram. Are you even human," wrote another user.

Have a look at some other reactions here:

Calcuta High Court Deploys Central Forces

Over the last few days, Murshidabad witnessed intense unrest over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which claimed the lives of three people, with over 150 arrested so far. The violence also prompted the Calcutta High Court to intervene, ordering the deployment of central forces and warning that constitutional courts “cannot be a mute spectator... when the safety and security of the people are at danger.”

Yusuf Pathan has not yet issued any statement in response to the controversy.