Overview

• MNS chief Raj Thackeray questioned the cleanliness of the Ganga River during the Maha Kumbh, criticizing successive governments for failing to address pollution despite long-standing promises.
• Thackeray shared that he refused to drink Ganga water brought by a colleague, citing visible pollutants and calling for an end to blind faith in such traditions.
• Political leaders, including Shiv Sena's Sanjay Gaikwad and BJP's Girish Mahajan, defended the spiritual significance of the Ganga and the Maha Kumbh, dismissing Thackeray’s remarks as disrespectful.
• NCP MLA Rohit Pawar acknowledged pollution concerns but urged sensitivity in addressing issues tied to deeply held religious beliefs.
• Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut called for an SIT to investigate conflicting reports on the Ganga’s water quality, questioning potential political motives behind the discrepancies.