New Delhi, Jan 2 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised the BJP’s Madhya Pradesh government after at least 10 people reportedly died due to contaminated water in Indore, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi “remains silent whenever poor die.”
Gandhi called Madhya Pradesh the “epicentre of misgovernance,” citing deaths from cough syrups, poor hygiene in government hospitals, and now contaminated water.
“Not water, but poison was distributed in Indore, and the administration remained in deep slumber,” he said in a post on X in Hindi. “Every home is filled with mourning, the poor are helpless – and on top of that, BJP leaders are making arrogant statements. Those who lost their lives and livelihoods needed solace; the government offered arrogance.”
He questioned why repeated complaints about dirty, smelly water were ignored. “How did sewage get mixed with the drinking water? Why wasn’t the supply stopped in time? When will action be taken against the responsible officers and leaders? These aren’t trivial questions — they demand accountability. Clean water isn’t a favour, it’s a right to life,” Gandhi said.
Senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya had triggered controversy on Thursday after using the word “ghanta” (nonsense) when questioned about the contamination.
Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said he had received information about 10 deaths due to a diarrhoea outbreak in Bhagirathpura, though local residents claim 14, including a six-month-old infant. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani confirmed laboratory tests showed drinking water contamination from a pipeline leakage.
Officials said the leakage occurred near a police outpost where a toilet had been constructed, leading to contamination. Over 1,400 people in Bhagirathpura have suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea over the past nine days.
Category: Breaking News
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