Should Yusuf Pathan Focus on Cricket Instead of Odisha?

Bhubaneswar, May 4 (NationPress) Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari criticized former Indian cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan for making unfounded comments about Odisha, a state he appears unfamiliar with.

In response to Pathan's letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 27 regarding alleged violence against Bengali migrant workers in Odisha, Pujari stated, “If he dedicated more time to cricket, it would benefit the nation. Making baseless accusations is uncalled for, especially when one lacks knowledge beyond cricket.”

Pujari went on to emphasize that Pathan should instead advocate against the injustices faced by Hindus in West Bengal.

Additionally, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan also criticized political figures who oppose the measures taken against illegal immigrants in Odisha. “Whoever the infiltrator may be, whether from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or elsewhere, they will not be allowed to remain here. We will identify the Bangladeshi infiltrators and ensure their return to their homeland. Those expressing concerns should grasp this reality,” he asserted.

Trinamool MPs, including Yousuf Pathan and Samirul Islam, have sent separate letters to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking intervention regarding the purported increase in violence against Bengali migrant laborers in Odisha and other regions across the country.

In his letter, Pathan expressed grave concern over the disturbing rise in violence against migrant workers from West Bengal, particularly those from his constituency, Berhampore, Murshidabad, and surrounding areas, who have recently returned from Odisha after facing targeted attacks.

He alleged that following the establishment of the BJP government in Odisha, several organized groups have commenced systematic assaults on laborers from West Bengal, according to multiple reports and firsthand accounts.

“As per available information, nearly 20,000 workers have fled Odisha recently due to fear for their safety. Numerous videos documenting these attacks have been shared on social media, further highlighting the seriousness of the situation and inciting widespread public concern,” Pathan stated.

Meanwhile, Samirul Islam, a Rajya Sabha Trinamool MP, has also reached out to Amit Shah, alleging that Bengali-speaking migrants are targeted across various parts of the country despite holding valid identification. He urged the minister to instruct all states to uphold their safety, dignity, and constitutional rights.