Gimmick of Godman: Asaram Bapu snubs water crisis,plays Holi

Mumbai, March 19: Self-proclaimed godman

has landed in an another controversy following his pre-

celebration. Celebrating the festival of colours in Nagpur on Sunday, March 17, Bapu used thousands of litres of

at a time.

Overruling all warnings and water crisis of the state due to the worst drought since 1972, Bapu used a minimum of 50,000 litres of drinking water for Holi revelries in Nagpur's Kasturchand Park. Continuing the saga, he held similar kind of celebration in Navi Mumbai.

Earlier Balasaheb Thorat, the state's Revenue Minister, had warned Bapu issuing prohibitory orders directing the area's civic body saying, "At a time when the state is facing such acute shortage of water, we cannot waste water in this way."

BJP leader Vinod Tawde was quoted as saying, "Wahaan aadmi paani ke liye tarse, aur yahaan yeh rang barse. Mann ko vedna dene wali baat hai (People are thirsting for water. And here they are playing Holi. This is sad)."

Media criticised the activities of Bapu and his followers. However, criticisms could not stop the group from celebrating Holi with water. Minimum of 50,000 litres of drinking water was used at Nagpur's Kasturchand Park on Sunday.

According to sources, Bapu's followers had managed tankers after tankers of water from private sources. Later citing media criticism, they allegedly had attacked journalists who were present at the venue to cover the festivities.

Maharashtra's Home Minister RR Patil was quoted as saying, "We are investigating the matter and will get a report by tomorrow. Whoever has instigated the mob will not be spared. We will take strict action."

Meanwhile, abusing media reports, Bapu said, "The media says I am wasting water...So should I do what these bastards say?"

OneIndia News