Debate Heats Up Over Ganga's Cleanliness Amid Political Sparring

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane countered MNS chief Raj Thackeray's critique of the Ganga cleanliness drive, accusing him of incomplete knowledge and insulting Hinduism. Thackeray, commenting on water quality, cited polluted waters at the Maha Kumbh, despite CPCB reports affirming its safety for bathing under national guidelines.

The cleanliness of the sacred River Ganga has ignited a political firestorm, with Maharashtra Minister and BJP MLA Nitesh Rane criticizing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. Responding to Thackeray's remarks questioning the river's cleanliness under the 'Namo Gange' project, Rane accused him of having incomplete information, and of belittling Hindu religious sentiments.

Thackeray's comments came against the backdrop of the MNS's 19th foundation day celebrations, where he lambasted the perceived gap between reverence for the Ganges and its actual state of upkeep. He cited an incident involving unclean water from Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh as evidence, although UP CM Yogi Adityanath has rebutted these claims, ensuring the safety of the water.

The political discourse is further fueled by a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report given to the National Green Tribunal, which posits that the water was within bathing standards during the Maha Kumbh. However, it also indicated data inconsistencies, prompting a call for more stringent monitoring for future events.

(With inputs from agencies.)