The Save Ganga Movement, which began with a fast unto death by a former IIT professor, may turn into a major political issue ahead of the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. After more than 30 Hindutva outfits supported the movement, Baba Ramdev announced the formation of the Ganga Raksha Manch at Haridwar on Tuesday. Although it was said that the manch would not be affiliated to any political party, the presence of senior VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Pravin Togadia raises many questions. A mandal set up to coordinate activities of the manch would have representatives from the RSS, VHP, Akhara Parishad, etc. Last week, the VHP expressed solidarity with Professor G D Aggarwal, who is demanding that power projects on the Ganges be stopped. Uttarakhand CM B C Khanduri tried to wriggle out of the situation by putting the onus on the Centre. On Wednesday, he reiterated his Government's commitment towards preserving the Ganges, but asserted that energy needs of the state also need to be understood.