Kanpur, Aug. 7 -- Amid the flood situation in several parts of the state, Uttar Pradesh fisheries minister Sanjay Nishad's remark during a visit to a flood-hit village in Kanpur Dehat district's Bhognipur tehsil has triggered strong public and political reactions.

"Ganga maiya comes to wash the feet of her sons. Just her darshan ensures direct passage to heaven," Nishad was filmed telling residents when people raised concern over the floods.

Sanjay Nishad is also the founder-president of the Nishad Party, an alliance partner of the BJP government in the state. He made the remark on Monday.

The video has since gone viral, sparking criticism over the perceived insensitivity of the comment, especially in a region where people have lost ho...