Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has come under fire from BJP MLA Nitesh Rane over his controversial remark on the Maha Kumbh, where he claimed the Ganga river is polluted and refused to consume its sacred water. Rane lashed out, accusing Thackeray of selectively targeting Hindu traditions while remaining silent on other religious practices.
"Raj Saheb lacks complete knowledge about the cleanliness initiative ‘Namo Gange’ launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Rane stated. "No one has the right to insult the Hindu religion. I have never seen him question the slaughter of goats during Bakr-Eid or other religious customs."
#WATCH | Mumbai | On the statement of MNS chief Raj Thackeray about the state of rivers in India, Maharashtra Minister & BJP MLA Nitesh Rane says, "Raj Sahib has incomplete information about the cleanliness drive- Namo Gange under PM Modi's leadership. No one has the right to… pic.twitter.com/FPm0sIj3oU
— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2025
Taking his criticism further, Rane questioned why scrutiny is always directed towards Hindus. "During Eid, when goats are sacrificed and filthy water flows in the streets, no one speaks. On Mohammad Ali Road, after Ramadan feasts, trash is scattered on the streets, yet there is no outrage. Are all questions only reserved for Hindus?"
Raj Thackeray had stirred controversy by claiming that the water from the Ganga was contaminated and stating, "I will not drink Gangajal." His remark sparked outrage from BJP leaders, with Rane challenging him to show the same boldness in questioning practices observed during Bakr-Eid and Ramzan.
