Lucknow, March 19 (NationPress) In the midst of the uproar surrounding the detention of 14 Muslim youths accused of hosting an iftar gathering aboard a boat on the Ganga in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar criticized the comments made by Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav as "incorrect" and politically charged. He affirmed that the government was implementing suitable measures in response to the situation.

The controversy escalated after Yadav condemned the arrests and challenged the administration's actions. During an iftar event in Lucknow, Yadav suggested that officials such as the District Magistrate (DM), Superintendent of Police (SP), and Station House Officer (SHO) should have received invitations to the iftar.

In a provocative statement, Yadav questioned the police's response and asked whether individuals are prohibited from breaking their fast on the Ganga. He insinuated that these actions are intended to sow discord among communities, further claiming that police conduct can sometimes be swayed by informal incentives, hinting that such measures were taken because "their palms were not warmed".

In defense of the government's stance, Om Prakash Rajbhar remarked, "Akhilesh has to do this. Where in the Quran does it say one should go to the Ganga, sit on a boat, and break their fast? This is merely a façade to avoid affecting Muslims' fasting practices. It serves purely as a pretext for his own interests, not for the sake of influencing Muslims' fasting."

He further elaborated, "This is the first time I am hearing of people breaking their fast on boats with biryani. This is unacceptable; the government is taking necessary action against it. Akhilesh Yadav's remarks are driven by political motives."

Congress MP Imran Masood also weighed in on the matter, questioning the environmental implications and law enforcement priorities. He stated, "What is all this fuss about? The waste from the cruises operating there is being dumped into the Ganga. Has anyone ever taken action against them? Sewage is flowing directly into the Ganga in Varanasi. Has anyone ever addressed that? Also, couldn’t they find a suitable place at home to have iftar instead of the Ganga? The real agenda in this country is to spread hatred..."

A video circulating on social media showing a group of people allegedly hosting an iftar party on a boat in the Ganga went viral, leading to a police complaint and the subsequent arrest of 14 individuals.

Allegations from the video include consuming non-vegetarian food on the river and discarding leftovers into the sacred water, actions deemed offensive to the religious sentiments in this holy city.

The widely shared clip on platforms like Instagram depicts individuals aboard a small vessel at sunset, feasting on what appears to be chicken biryani and other dishes. Critics argue that this act disrespects the religious sanctity of the Ganga, a river revered by millions who engage in rituals and ceremonial baths along its banks.