Minister Faces Backlash Over Remarks in Flood-affected UP

Lucknow, Aug 6 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad recently stirred controversy with his remarks during a visit to a flood-affected area in Kanpur Dehat, where he told a local woman that the Ganga river had come to "clean your feet." This statement has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the minister of being insensitive to the sufferings of those hit by the floods.

Several parts of Uttar Pradesh, such as Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, have been inundated due to rising water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

In a video that emerged on social media on Tuesday, Nishad is shown speaking to a woman standing in the floodwaters, claiming that the river Ganga has come to cleanse her feet and that this would lead her directly to heaven. After hearing the minister's comment, the woman could be heard responding, "Take the blessing of Ganga yourself." Nonetheless, it remains uncertain if the woman was addressing the minister directly or conversing with another woman present there.

Nishad, who is the head of the NISHAD party, an ally of the BJP, stated that his remarks were made in a light-hearted manner. "I was addressing a flood-hit area primarily inhabited by Nishads, and during a discussion, I noted that people often travel great distances for a holy dip in the Ganges to seek salvation, but in this case, Ganga 'maiya' was right at their doorsteps," the minister explained to PTI.

He added, "We Nishads have deep reverence for rivers, as they are our sources of life and livelihood. The comment was intended within that context."

During his visit, the minister also referenced a viral video of a policeman from the Nishad community in Prayagraj worshipping and swimming in the Ganga's floodwaters. "The minister mentioned the Prayagraj officer to emphasize the reverence the Nishad community holds for Ganga maiya and all rivers," said one of the minister's aides.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Sharvendra Bikram Singh criticized Nishad’s comments, branding them as insensitive. "The minister is detached from the on-ground realities faced by flood victims. Instead of providing relief, state government ministers are chasing photo opportunities. At a time of devastating losses of homes and livelihoods, such statements underscore how disconnected UP ministers are," Singh remarked.

The Congress termed Nishad's remarks an "insult of faith" ('astha ka apman'). "These irresponsible remarks disrespect faith. Some ministers deliver sermons on 'swadeshi' yet travel in luxurious imported vehicles," said UP Congress Committee chief Ajay Rai to PTI.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has formed teams of officers and ministers to assess and visit flood-affected areas.

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