Vishal Dadlani challenges Yogi Adityanath to drink Maha Kumbh water
What's the story
Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani has challenged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to drink water from the Maha Kumbh river, publicly. This challenge comes after Adityanath dismissed a National Green Tribunal (NGT) report, which raised concerns over high levels of fecal bacteria in the river water. The CM had claimed the Sangam water was "fit for drinking," prompting Dadlani to propose a "chunky glug" test on camera.
Social media challenge
'Don't worry about the haters, sir. We believe you...'
Dadlani took to Instagram to issue his challenge. He wrote, "Don't worry about the haters, Sir. We believe you. Please go ahead and take a nice chunky glug...directly from the river, on camera." He further posted a news report about the NGT findings and added: "If you can't see millions of cases of dysentery, cholera, amoebiosis, etc. coming right up, you are clearly special."
Public stance
Dadlani's criticism of government and legal system
Notably, Dadlani, who is known for his outspokenness, has also slammed the government's attempts to control online content. He had shared this opinion in a post supporting Samay Raina amid the India's Got Latent controversy. "The government wanted to control online content... Now, in this wave of TV-generated outrage, people are giving away their own freedom," he had written.
CM's response
Adityanath's defense of Maha Kumbh water quality
Adityanath has dismissed reports of fecal bacteria in the Maha Kumbh waters as attempts to "malign the religious gathering." He asserted that Sangam water was "absolutely fit for taking a holy dip." The CM also criticized those spreading "baseless allegations or fake videos against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, or the Maha Kumbh," describing it as playing with the faith of 56 crore people.