Controversy Erupts Over UP Minister's Remark on Ganga Floods

Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad sparked outrage with a comment during a flood-affected area visit, suggesting the Ganga river comes to clean people's feet. His remarks, seen as insensitive amid serious flooding, were criticized by opposition leaders, prompting discussions about the administration's flood response.

During a visit to flood-affected Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad ignited controversy with a remark made to a woman standing in floodwaters, suggesting the Ganga river 'reaches your doorstep to clean your feet.'

Opposition parties quickly condemned the comment, accusing the minister of insensitivity amid severe flooding across several districts, including Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. Many homes and livelihoods have been lost due to rising water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

Minister Nishad, who leads the NISHAD party allied with the BJP, claimed his words were in jest and culturally contextual. However, political opponents like the Samajwadi Party and Congress criticized the statement as disrespectful and disconnected from flood victims' harsh realities. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has deployed teams to assess and address the flood situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)