Yusuf Pathan Faces Backlash Over Instagram Post Amid Bengal Violence

As tensions continue to simmer in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district following violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Trinamool Congress MP and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan finds himself at the center of controversy over a seemingly innocuous Instagram post.

Mr Patahn posted a series of photos two days ago with the caption: “Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment.” The post, which shows Mr. Pathan enjoying a relaxed afternoon with a cup of tea, has sparked outrage on social media amid ongoing unrest just kilometers from his constituency.

While the violence-hit areas—Suti, Dhuliya, and Samserganj—do not fall directly under Mr. Pathan’s parliamentary seat, they are located approximately 80 kilometers away in the same district. This proximity, coupled with the volatile situation, has led many to criticize the timing and tone of the post.

Users slamed the MP under his comment section of the post where one of users bluntly asked, “Do you have any shame?” Another one wrote, “Murshidabad is burning and you are posing on Instagram Thanks for remembering us “Nero fiddled while Rome burned” Do you know what are the responsibilities of being an MP for his constituency? Do you have any basic ideas about to being For the people Of the people By the people.”

Despite the mounting criticism, Mr. Pathan has yet to issue a public response.

BJP Attacks Yusuf Pathan On X

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized the opportunity to launch a scathing attack on both Mr. Pathan and the Trinamool Congress government. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“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.”

Bengal is burning
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

— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 13, 2025

Supporters of Left parties have also criticized Mr. Pathan, calling his silence on the issue irresponsible during a time of crisis.

The violence in Murshidabad has already claimed three lives, with widespread reports of vandalism following protests against the central government’s amendments to the Waqf Act. Responding to the deteriorating situation, the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces in the district. “We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie shows vandalism in few districts of the State of West Bengal,” the court observed. “Constitutional Courts cannot be a mute spectator and embroil itself in technical defences when the safety and security of the people are at danger.”