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.”

See Instagra Post Here : https://www.instagram.com/p/DITWdrvTmP-/?

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.

With the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission reportedly recommending increasing the reservation for other backward classes in its Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report, the Siddaramaiah government may lob the ball into the Centre’s court, as a constitutional amendment is required with the total quota exceeding 50%.

The state cabinet is likely to decide on this when it meets on April 17 and could set up a cabinet sub-committee to look into the issue.

The commission, headed by K Jayaprakash Hegde, which submitted its report to the government, has recommended the restructuring of the quota to one that is proportional to the population, considering the backwardness within the communities.

For the Muslim community, it has been proposed to hike the quota from the present 4% to 8% under 2B. It has also recommended increasing reservations for economically weaker sections among the Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities.

While recommending increasing the OBC quota from 32% to 51%, it has proposed increasing the quota from 3% to 7% for Vokkaligas and sub-sects under 3A and from 4% to 8% for Lingayats and sub-sects under 3B.

It has proposed a 6% hike under 1A for backward castes which are under Category I, 12% under 1B for certain castes under Categories I and II and 10% to some under Category II, sources said.