JOIN USSelf-proclaimed godman Asaram Bapu on Monday came under severe criticism in the Maharashtra Legislature for allegedly wasting water during pre-Holi celebrations, while his followers clashed with Republican Party of India (RPI) workers over the issue in Navi Mumbai.
Congress MLC Sanjay Dutt, who raised the issue in the Upper House, charged that even as the state “is reeling under water scarcity,” Asaram Bapu and his followers wasted thousands of litres of water in a pre-holi event held in Nagpur on Sunday.
Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat said instructions had been given to officials in Nagpur to avoid such incidents.
Meanwhile, in Navi Mumbai satellite town, where pre-Holi celebrations were taking place, additional police force had to be deployed to bring a near-rioting situation under control after RPI workers clashed with Asaram Bapu’s supporters.
Police resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control. An RPI spokesperson, who spoke after the incident, demanded action against Asaram Bapu and his supporters for wasting water.
In a statement, Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti castigated Asaram Bapu. It said: “A person who calls himself saint does not have common sense. How can he waste water like this when millions in Maharashtra are reeling under drought.”