Leaders Dismiss Raj Thackeray's Comments on Ganga Water at Maha Kumbh
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Political leaders in Maharashtra have reacted strongly to Raj Thackeray's remarks about Ganga's water quality during the Maha Kumbh Mela, emphasizing the river's religious significance while acknowledging pollution concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Thackeray criticized the cleanliness of the Ganga.
- Leaders defended the purity of the Ganga's water.
- Attending Maha Kumbh is a personal choice.
- Sensitive discussions about Ganga's pollution should be handled delicately.
- Political leaders emphasized the river's religious importance.
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) Political figures from Maharashtra have vehemently responded to the contentious statements made by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President, Raj Thackeray, concerning the Ganga water during the recent Maha Kumbh Mela held in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.
Thackeray ridiculed the worshippers who immersed themselves in the Ganga during this sacred event, asserting that the river remains contaminated despite multiple attempts to purify it.
He remarked, "I have been hearing that the Ganga will be cleaned since the time of the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The reality is that the Ganga is still not clean. We refer to it as Ganga Ma, yet not a single river in our nation is clean."
Further, he expressed his refusal to touch the Ganga water presented by one of his aides, implying its continued pollution.
In reaction to Thackeray's remarks, Sanjay Gaikwad, a leader from Shiv Sena and MLA, dismissed them as unfounded.
He stated, "The water of the Ganga is incredibly pure, and the numerous individuals who visited felt joy in taking a dip. His claims are baseless; I do not subscribe to his views."
Amol Mitkari, a member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), also addressed the matter, underscoring that attending the Maha Kumbh is a personal decision.
Mitkari remarked, "Participating in the Maha Kumbh is a matter of individual belief. Many faced unfortunate events after attending, while others felt it was inappropriate to go. I personally did not feel the necessity to attend."
Meanwhile, Rohit Pawar, a leader from the Maharashtra NCP (SP) and MLA who participated in the Maha Kumbh and took a sacred dip in the Ganga, acknowledged Thackeray's concerns regarding the river's pollution but urged caution when discussing sensitive topics.
Pawar commented, "I took a holy dip in the Ganga during the Maha Kumbh. It is integral to our faith. However, some pollutants are visible in the water. While Thackeray raised valid points about Ganga pollution, one must tread carefully when addressing such a sentimental matter as it may offend people's feelings."
Thackeray's comments have ignited a political discourse, with leaders from various parties advocating for the religious significance of the Maha Kumbh and the Ganga while also recognizing the issues surrounding the river's cleanliness.
