Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad’s remarks that “Ganga river has reached your doorstep to clean your feet and will take you to heaven” during his recent visit to the flood-affected area in Kanpur Dehat triggered a controversy, prompting a sharp response from the Opposition Congress.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Nishad is heard telling a man, who complained of flood waters entering their home, “Ganga Maiya Ganga putro ke paanv dhulne ko aati hai, aur Ganga ke putra sidha swarg jate hai. (Ganga river comes to the homes of its sons to clean their feet, and then they go directly to heaven).”
“गंगा मैया गंगा पुत्रों के पैर धोने आती हैं, आदमी सीधे स्वर्ग जाता है” – ये बयान है योगी सरकार के मंत्री संजय निषाद का।
मंत्री जी खुद लखनऊ के पॉश इलाके में रहते हैं, गंगा तो क्या नाली भी उनके दरवाज़े पर नहीं बहती।
तो क्या इसका मतलब ये निकाला जाए कि मंत्री जी सीधा..वहां जाएंगे?… pic.x.com/sOK3bsRu90
— UP Congress (@INCUttarPradesh) August 5, 2025
Taking a jibe at Nishad over his remarks, the Uttar Pradesh Unit of the Congress said that he (Nishad) lives in a posh Lucknow area where not even a drain flows near his doorstep. “So, does this mean it should be inferred that the minister will go straight… there?” the Congress asked.
The Opposition party further added, “The BJP and their allies, who consider the public to be fools, forget that now the public has well recognized their cunning intent, and when the time comes, it will be ready to settle the full account, with interest.”
Reacting to the controversy, the minister later clarified his remarks, saying they were made in a lighthearted way.