Senior Congress leaders have launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following tragic deaths linked to contaminated water in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, have accused the government of "empty" claims, corruption, and an insensitive attitude towards the poor.
A Tragedy of Poisoned Water and Political Accusations
Rahul Gandhi stated that Madhya Pradesh has turned into the "epicentre of misgovernance". He highlighted a series of administrative failures, pointing out that the recent deaths from unhygienic water came after incidents involving contaminated cough syrups and even infants being killed by rats in government hospitals. "Not water, but poison was distributed in Indore, and the administration remained in deep slumber," he alleged.
The leaders connected the tragedy directly to central government schemes. Kharge alleged corruption in all central schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship program that Prime Minister Narendra Modi often highlights. He pointed out the stark irony that Indore has been awarded the title of "cleanest city" for eight consecutive years under the Centre's Swachh Sarvekshan survey, yet such a water tragedy occurred.
Arrogance in Power and a Demand for Accountability
Without directly naming the recent viral spat between senior Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and a journalist, the Congress brass accused the government of showing "brazen arrogance" when victim families needed solace. "When ministers are questioned, they resort to abuse and intimidation. Drunk on the arrogance of power, they turn the tables on the journalists. The entire machinery swings into action to cover up the misgovernance of BJP governments," Kharge said.
Rahul Gandhi emphasized that access to clean water is not a favor but a fundamental "right to life", which he claims has been destroyed by an insensitive government. He demanded to know when action would be initiated against responsible officials and leaders.
Eleven Years of Empty Promises?
In a sweeping critique of the BJP's long tenure at the Centre, Mallikarjun Kharge claimed the government has fed the nation with hollow assurances for the past 11 years. He asserted that the administration has "failed to provide either clean water or clean air" to the people, despite its tall claims. The leaders lamented that Prime Minister Modi consistently prefers silence when the poor suffer and die, contrasting it with his vocal publicity of schemes.
The political confrontation underscores the escalating tensions between the opposition and the ruling party, using the Indore water tragedy as a focal point to question governance, implementation of welfare schemes, and accountability.
