Congress Slams BJP Over Indore Water Contamination Tragedy, Questions PM’s Silence
Congress leader Udit Raj on Saturday launched a sharp attack on BJP-led governments over the recent contaminated water incident in Indore, calling it a clear failure of governance and questioning the Prime Minister’s silence on the matter.
Speaking to ANI, Udit Raj said that people are losing their lives while the country’s leadership remains silent. He drew parallels with other civic crises, pointing to rising pollution levels in Delhi and increasing cases of lung-related illnesses. According to him, the situation in Indore is so severe that authorities have failed to provide even safe drinking water to citizens. He described this as the “reality of the double-engine government,” alleging that BJP-led administrations function the same way across the country.
Udit Raj further criticized the government’s claims of economic and technological progress, stating that slogans like “fourth-largest economy,” “Vishwaguru,” and “Digital India” do not reflect the ground reality faced by ordinary people.
Tragedy in Indore’s Bhagirathpura Area
Several lives were lost and many families affected after drinking water was found to be contaminated in Indore’s Bhagirathpura locality. The incident triggered widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about administrative negligence.
Responding to the situation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condemned the lapses by officials and announced strict action. In a post on X, he stated that the state government would not tolerate negligence in matters related to drinking water safety and that decisive steps were being taken.
Officials Suspended, Probe Underway
The Chief Minister confirmed the suspension of Indore Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Rohit Sisodia and Public Health Engineering (PHE) in-charge Superintending Engineer Sanjeev Shrivastava. Instructions were also issued to remove Indore Municipal Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav from his post.
According to Indore District Collector Shivam Verma, five deaths have been officially confirmed so far due to the water contamination, while the number of hospitalized patients has risen to 210. He explained that a team of senior doctors has been formed to analyze death figures received from various sources, including public representatives and the media.
The administration, he said, releases official data only after medical verification. As of January 1, 201 patients were admitted to hospitals, with nine more admitted on January 2, taking the total to 210. The official death toll may be updated once the medical team completes its assessment.
The incident has once again brought civic accountability, public health infrastructure, and political responsibility into sharp focus.