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AMID A flood-like situation and severe waterlogging in several parts of Uttar Pradesh, especially districts along the Ganga River, state Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad, during a visit to a flood-affected area in Kanpur Dehat on Monday, sparked a controversy after he purportedly told local residents that they are “Ganga’s children” and thus, the “Ganga river reaches your doorstep to clean your feet and this would take you directly to heaven.”
Nishad, who is also chief of the Nishad Party, has been assigned the Kanpur Dehat district to make field visits to the flood-hit areas and oversee relief measures. In a video that surfaced on social media, he is purportedly heard making these remarks to villagers, even as they are apparently trying to highlight issues caused by the waterlogging.
Also, a woman travelling along with the government team, is purportedly heard trying to explain the minister’s remarks to an elderly woman, who in turn asks her to stay there with them and “take the blessings of Ganga yourself.”
Asked about his remarks, which led to sharp reactions and criticism online, Nishad told The Indian Express on Tuesday, “It (Flooding) is a natural calamity and the government is doing everything it can to help people. We are giving food packets, cooked food as well but one needs to highlight positive thoughts to them also and that is what I did. We cannot stop water and this is not a one day or one-year problem. I was trying to give them emotional support.”
He emphasised, “Along with other efforts, it is important to instill positive thinking and hope. Otherwise, the opposition will spread negativity.”
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