BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla Slams TMC MP Yusuf Pathan for ‘Tea Post’ Amid Murshidabad Violence

As violence continues in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday launched a scathing attack on cricketer-turned-Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan.

The criticism stemmed from a recent Instagram post in which Pathan appeared relaxed and sipping tea — a move Poonawalla described as insensitive amid the state’s ongoing unrest.

Instagram Post Sparks Political Row

Poonawalla referred to an Instagram post by Yusuf Pathan, where the Baharampur MP is seen sipping tea with a calm expression.

Though Pathan does not represent Murshidabad in the Lok Sabha — his party colleague Abu Taher Khan does — the BJP leader seized the opportunity to criticise both the MP and the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Using photos of the violence-hit areas, Poonawalla posted on X:

“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 stay silent! Meanwhile, Yusuf Pathan—MP—sips tea and soaks in the moment as Hindus get slaughtered… This is TMC.”

Continued Criticism from BJP

Poonawalla later reiterated his stance in a statement to ANI, escalating his attack:
“Mamata Banerjee has picked up a cricketer named Yusuf Pathan from somewhere and gave him a ticket. The vote bank made him win in Baharampur and today when Bengal is burning, Hindus are being selectively killed, Yusuf Pathan is enjoying sipping tea… This is the priority of TMC.”

His remarks surfaced as violence intensified across Murshidabad and neighbouring districts, with at least three reported dead and over 150 arrests made.

Waqf Law Protests Turn Violent

The unrest is linked to protests over amendments to the Waqf Act. Murshidabad has witnessed widespread violence, including arson, stone-pelting, and clashes with law enforcement. Areas such as Malda and South 24 Parganas have also been affected.

On Friday, protesters set vehicles on fire and hurled stones at security forces. In response, authorities launched multiple raids and deployed extra personnel to regain control.

Timing of Post Triggers Outrage

While the Instagram post by Pathan — captioned, “Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment” — was shared two days ago, the timing drew sharp criticism across social media platforms.

Despite the fact that the violence-hit zones are outside his immediate constituency, many questioned his silence. One user asked, “Do you have any shame?” as the post circulated widely amid news of escalating violence.

Court Intervention and Central Force Deployment

In light of the situation, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad.
The bench observed:
“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.”

It further stated:
“Constitutional Courts cannot be a mute spectator and embroil itself in technical defences when the safety and security of the people are at danger.”

Pathan Yet to Respond

As criticism mounts, Yusuf Pathan has not yet issued a response to the controversy. While political opponents and social media users continue to question his priorities, the former cricketer has remained silent on the matter.

Political and Geographic Context

Pathan, a former Indian cricketer and brother of Irfan Pathan, represents Baharampur — one of three parliamentary constituencies in Murshidabad district.

The recent violence, however, has been concentrated in areas such as Suti, Dhuliya, and Samserganj.

These regions fall outside Pathan’s constituency. Samserganj and Dhuliya are part of the Maldaha Dakshin Lok Sabha seat, represented by Congress’s Isha Khan Choudhury, while Suti is under Jangipur, represented by Trinamool’s Khalilur Rahaman.

Trinamool’s Abu Taher Khan represents the Murshidabad seat, where much of the unrest has unfolded. Despite this, BJP has chosen to focus its criticism on Pathan due to his public profile and timing of his social media activity.

Pathan’s Candidature Had Raised Eyebrows

During the last general elections, Yusuf Pathan had defeated veteran Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Baharampur, a seat long considered a Congress stronghold.

At the time, opponents had questioned why a Gujarat-based cricketer was chosen to contest in Bengal.

Now, amid the current violence, that scrutiny has reignited, with Pathan’s Instagram post serving as the latest flashpoint in Bengal’s charged political atmosphere.