India, March 10 -- Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has sparked controversy with his remarks on the cleanliness of the Ganga River, questioning the tradition of taking a holy dip during the Kumbh Mela.

Speaking at MNS's 19th foundation day event in Pimpri-Chinchwad on Sunday, Thackeray asserted that he would not take a dip in the river. Expressing disbelief at people's faith in its water, he said, "I wouldn't even touch the water where millions have bathed."

Recalling how party colleague Bala Nandgaonkar once offered him Ganga water from the Kumbh Mela, he added, "Tell me, who would drink that water?" while mimicking devotees performing the ritual.

The MNS leader also criticised successive governments for failing to...