New Delhi, Feb. 10 -- Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has targeted the Centre over pollution in River Ganga, posing severe health risks despite ambitious initiatives like Namami Gange.

In a post on X, Kharge posted a video from Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj of River Ganga where he said that according to a study contaminated Ganga water contributes to 12 per cent of diseases in Uttar Pradesh.

"This is the reality of how we are treating Maa Ganga. Namami Gange is more about budget allocations, while the Kumbh serves as an electoral tool. A study conducted a few years ago revealed that polluted Ganges water is responsible for 12% of diseases in Uttar Pradesh," he said.

"The Ganga basin spans 11 states, covering a quarter of India's landmass. ...