'Sipping tea as Bengal burns': BJP slams Yusuf Pathan's post as violence escalates in Murshidabad

The controversy revolves around a recent Instagram post by former cricketer Pathan, who shared a picture of himself in a white shirt and trousers, casually sipping a cup of tea.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday slammed Trinamool MP Yusuf Pathan, accusing him of casually “sipping tea" while parts of Murshidabad reeled under chaos and destruction during violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Yusuf Pathan, who represents West Bengal’s Baharampur Lok Sabha constituency in the Parliament, shared a post on Instagram on Saturday, in which he is seen sipping tea and relaxing around an estate. Pathan captioned the post, “Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment.”

“Trinamool MP Yusuf Pathan is sipping tea while Bengal is burning in the name of anti-Waqf protest. He is soaking in the moment while Hindus are getting attacked," said BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla in an X post.

So far, three people have been killed in clashes that erupted in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Dozens others, including cops, have been injured. The clashes erupted after protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent in Suti, Samserganj, and Dhuliyan, with mobs setting vehicles on fire, attacking homes, and clashing with police. Over 138 people have been arrested so far.

The Calcutta High Court on Saturday said it "cannot turn a blind eye" to the reports of violence and ordered the deployment of paramilitary forces in the highly sensitive areas. Apart from 300 BSF personnels locally available in violence-hit Murshidabad, five more companies have also been deployed at the state government's request.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan assured the West Bengal chief secretary and state DGP of all possible assistance amid the ongoing violence in Murshidabad. He urged officials to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to maintain law and order. Mohan also said the Centre is keeping a close watch and is ready to provide additional forces if needed.