While inspecting flood-affected areas in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad told people, "Ganga maiya (mother ganga) has come to your doorstep to wash your feet...it will take you straight to heaven." A woman told an official accompanying the minister, "You stay here with us and take the blessings of Ganga yourself." The minister was criticised over his remark.