Yusuf Pathan Visits Murshidabad Amid Criticism Over Absence During Violence

KOLKATA: TMC MP and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan visited Murshidabad days after communal violence rocked parts of the district. Facing criticism over his absence during the unrest, Pathan urged people to stay united and not fall for misinformation.

He visited Berhampore, the constituency he represents, and held small meetings with residents, party leaders, and religious figures, including imams, muezzins, and priests.

“Don’t Fall for Fake News,” Urges Pathan

During his interaction with religious leaders, Pathan condemned the riots and emphasized the need to maintain harmony. He said, “The riots that occurred in some areas were unfortunate and should not have happened. But spreading fake news to tarnish Bengal’s image must stop.”

He assured the public of his continued involvement, stating he stays updated with developments and maintains communication with local officials even late at night.

Social Media Post Sparks Backlash

Pathan has been at the center of controversy after an Instagram post dated April 12 showed him sipping tea with a caption about “calm surroundings.” This came a day after violence erupted in areas like Samserganj, Dhulian, and Suti, which fall under the Jangipur constituency. The post drew sharp criticism from the Opposition and even some within his own party.

So far, over 270 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, which reportedly claimed three lives.

Local Presence Before Eid, Silence After Riots

According to residents, Pathan was last seen in Berhampore before Eid, celebrated on March 31. He reportedly attended several Iftar gatherings during Ramzan but was absent during the peak of the violence, sparking discontent among constituents.

Murshidabad, a district with three Lok Sabha constituencies—Berhampore, Jangipur, and Murshidabad—all held by the TMC, has remained tense after the riots.

Outreach and Damage Control

In a bid to rebuild trust, Pathan has been seen interacting with local residents during morning walks and small meetings. His focus remains on communal harmony and countering false narratives that, he believes, aim to divide communities and harm the district’s image.