In a strongly worded intervention, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday directed the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Murshidabad and other violence-hit districts of West Bengal, following widespread unrest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The court said that constitutional courts “cannot be a mute spectator” when citizen safety is at risk, and observed that the situation in parts of the state is grave and volatile.

The order comes after protests spiraled into violence across Murshidabad, Malda, Hooghly, and South 24 Parganas, resulting in the deaths of three people, the burning of vehicles, and stone-pelting at security forces.

“We cannot turn a blind eye,” says High Court

The special bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury, constituted to hear a petition filed by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, said that the deployment of central forces was necessary as state measures were inadequate and delayed.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the various reports that have surfaced which prima facie show vandalism in few districts of the state of West Bengal,” the bench observed. “The situation is grave and volatile… action against the culprits must be taken on a war footing.”

The court also directed that both the state and central governments submit detailed reports on the developments. The next hearing has been scheduled for April 17.

Mamata Banerjee: “We will not implement the Waqf Amendment Act”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a public address, declared that her government will not implement the Waqf (Amendment) Act, and questioned the purpose of the ongoing unrest.

“We have made our position clear — we do not support this law. This law will not be implemented in our state. So what is the riot about?” she asked in a social media post, blaming the central government for introducing the legislation.

She further warned against the politicisation of religion and promised legal action against anyone attempting to incite violence under the guise of protest.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose welcomed the court’s decision to bring in CAPF, stating that the judiciary’s timely intervention was necessary. In a video message, he said, “I am glad that the Calcutta High Court stepped in and gave the appropriate decision in appropriate time.”

Meanwhile, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar cautioned protestors that the police would not tolerate disruptions to law and order. The state police remain on alert as central forces coordinate deployment in sensitive areas.

As violence continues to simmer in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Trinamool Congress MP and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan has come under sharp criticism for an Instagram post showing him enjoying tea during the ongoing unrest.

The unrest has claimed three lives, prompting the Calcutta High Court to intervene by ordering deployment of central forces to maintain law and order. Amidst this tense atmosphere, Mr. Pathan’s post — which reads, “Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment” — has sparked outrage, especially on social media, for its perceived insensitivity.

Controversy over timing, silence amid violence

Though the violence-hit areas — including Suti, Dhuliya, and Samserganj — do not fall directly within Yusuf Pathan’s Baharampur constituency, they are within close proximity, around 80 km away. Critics argue that as a local MP from the region, Pathan’s public silence and seemingly relaxed post are inappropriate given the gravity of the situation.

Social media users questioned the MP’s response, with one user asking, “Do you have any shame?” The post, shared two days ago, has remained live without any clarification or comment from Mr. Pathan at the time of reporting.

Political criticism from across parties

The BJP has strongly condemned the MP’s actions, linking his post to the broader allegations against the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government for not addressing the violence swiftly. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said on social media: “Bengal is burning… Meanwhile Yusuf Pathan sips tea and soaks in the moment as Hindus get slaughtered. This is TMC.”

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Leaders and supporters from Left parties have also criticised Yusuf Pathan, adding to the cross-party pressure on the MP.

In response to the ongoing situation, the Calcutta High Court said it “cannot turn a blind eye” and ordered the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad. The court observed that vandalism had prima facie taken place and that Constitutional Courts cannot be mute spectators when public safety is under threat.

Yusuf Pathan, a former India all-rounder and brother of cricketer Irfan Pathan, was elected MP from Baharampur in 2024, defeating senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. His selection by TMC had raised eyebrows due to his non-native background, with critics pointing out that he was based in Baroda, Gujarat.

The ongoing controversy over his social media post, along with his silence during the violent unrest, has further intensified public scrutiny of his role and responsiveness as a first-time parliamentarian.

A fresh political storm has gripped Tamil Nadu after the announcement of a renewed alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

Reacting sharply to the development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the AIADMK of aligning with the BJP out of fear, suggesting the move was motivated by concerns over possible Enforcement Directorate (ED) action.

The BJP swiftly countered the criticism, asserting that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) would be ousted from power in the next election cycle. Party leaders claimed the people of Tamil Nadu were ready for a change in leadership.

Meanwhile, TVK Chief Vijay expressed skepticism over the significance of the BJP-AIADMK tie-up, calling it merely an “eye wash.” He asserted that the real electoral contest in 2026 would be between his party and the DMK, effectively downplaying the relevance of the newly announced alliance.

As political narratives begin to shape the lead-up to the 2026 elections, the BJP-AIADMK coalition has already stirred strong responses across party lines, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle in the state.