Cricket star-turned-TMC MP Yusuf Pathan visited Murshidabad and asked people not to pay heed to fake news or rumours. He condemned the riots that took place in some parts of the district, but stated that one “should not tarnish the image” of the district of the state.
Yusuf Pathan is the MP from the Berhampore Lok Sabha seat. Days after Murshidabad in West Bengal was rocked by communal violence, Pathan landed in a spot as the Opposition, several residents, and even a section of the TMC section have increasingly targeted him, flagging his absence in the district.
On Thursday, Pathan held small meetings with residents, party workers and party leaders, and another meeting with Imams, Muezzins and priests, in Berhampore.
“I assure you that I keep track of what is happening in Berhampore minute by minute. Even if I call administrative officials late at night, they answer my call. I promise you that this will not happen… I am there with you always,” said Pathan, during the meeting with Imams, Muezzins and priests.
“Riots took place in two blocks of Murshidabad and some parts of Malda. We strongly condemn it. It should not have happened. The wrongs that happened are condemned by all. However, there is a lot of fake news and rumors which are being spread. This aims to tarnish the image of the district as well as Bengal. I appeal to you not to pay heed to fake news. We must maintain communal harmony,” said Pathan.
On Friday, Pathan went for a morning walk in a local field in Berhampore and interacted with residents.
Berhampore is one of the three Lok Sabha constituencies in Murshidabad district, with the other two seats, Jangipur and Murshidabad, also held by the TMC.
On April 12, a day after protests against the Waqf Amendment Act turned violent in various areas in Murshidabad including Samserganj, Dhulian and Suti – which fall under the Jangipur parliamentary constituency – Pathan posted pictures of him sipping tea on Instagram with the caption: “Easy afternoons, good chai and calm surroundings. Just soaking in the moment”.
This sparked an uproar, with the 42-year-old politician coming under attack from the principal Opposition BJP and other quarters, who questioned his post when the district was convulsed by violence which claimed three lives. The police have arrested over 270 people in this connection so far.
According to several residents, Pathan was last seen in Berhampore before Eid which was celebrated on March 31. During the month of Ramzan, he was said to have participated in some Iftar parties organised by the TMC in Murshidabad.