The Congress has lodged a formal objection against Trinamool Congress candidate Yusuf Pathan for utilizing cricket icon photos, particularly from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, in his election campaign. In a complaint filed with the Election Commission, the Congress highlighted the use of banners and posters depicting winning moments from the 2011 World Cup, featuring notable cricket celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, asserting that such imagery constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and exploits national pride for electoral gain.
The Congress underscored the significance of the 2011 World Cup win as a matter of national pride, expressing concern over its exploitation for "petty material gain" during election campaigns. The party urged the Election Commission to intervene and halt what it deems as unethical and unlawful utilization of images of national heroes for political purposes. In Baharampur, where Yusuf Pathan is contesting against five-time Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the issue has sparked a political confrontation, adding to the electoral dynamics of the region.