BJP slams TMC MP Yusuf Pathan over 'good chai' post during Waqf violence

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday after Trinamool MP Yusuf Pathan posted a picture on Instagram enjoying tea and a peaceful afternoon. This was even as violent protests over the Waqf Amendment Act shook parts of the state, including the district he represents, Baharampur.

Pathan captioned a serene photo in the Instagram post shared on Saturday: “Easy afternoons, good chai, and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment.” The timing of the post, however, did not sit well with opposition parties, particularly the BJP, which accused the TMC of being disconnected from the public’s suffering during the ongoing unrest.

The protests against the Waqf Amendment Act erupted on Friday and have since led to widespread clashes, detentions, and police crackdowns. Over 150 people have been arrested, and raids continue across multiple districts. Protesters are demanding clarity and rollbacks on the amendments, which they allege threaten religious property rights.

Amid the chaos, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a firm stand, announcing that the Waqf Amendment Act will not be implemented in Bengal, signaling the state's defiance against the Centre’s decision. Her statement came even as law and order continued to deteriorate in several districts.

Meanwhile, the BJP intensified its criticism, accusing the TMC government of shielding those involved in violent demonstrations. BJP leaders shared caricatures and memes mocking the state's approach and Pathan’s perceived insensitivity, calling his post “tone-deaf” in the face of widespread unrest.