Congress Leaders Stage Sit-In Protest in Indore Over Water Contamination and Corporator Conduct
Members of the City Congress Committee in Indore, under the leadership of opposition leader Chintu Choukse, organized a significant sit-in demonstration at Zone 21 on Saturday. The protest was primarily focused on two critical issues affecting residents of Ward 80: the alleged supply of contaminated drinking water and accusations of "hooliganism" and "indecent behaviour" by BJP corporator Prashant Badve towards local inhabitants.
Allegations of Intimidation and Negligence
The protestors voiced strong concerns regarding the actions of Corporator Prashant Badve, claiming he served notices to residents with the explicit intent to intimidate them. They condemned the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) for its perceived negligence in addressing the water contamination crisis and criticized Badve for what they described as an "anti-people attitude." According to the demonstrators, these notices were part of a broader pattern of harassment aimed at silencing community members who raised complaints about public health and safety.
Key Demands Presented to Zonal Officials
During the protest, a formal memorandum was submitted to zonal officials outlining several urgent demands:
- Immediate provision of clean and safe drinking water to all residents of Ward 80.
- Cancellation of all notices issued by the corporator that are deemed intimidating or unjust.
- Strict disciplinary action against Corporator Prashant Badve for his alleged misconduct and inappropriate behavior towards citizens.
- Enhanced transparency and accountability within the Municipal Corporation administration to prevent future incidents.
Corporator's Defense and Counter-Allegations
In response to the allegations, BJP corporator Prashant Badve firmly denied any wrongdoing. He stated that residents of Parashar Nagar had approached him with complaints about contaminated water just three to four days prior to the protest, and he had already taken steps to resolve the issue. Badve explained that subsequent investigations revealed the source of the contamination: certain residents who had encroached on land and left their drainage lines open, causing leaks into the Narmada water supply line.
Furthermore, Badve alleged that the individuals who reported the drainage leak were threatened by those responsible for the encroachments, suggesting a complex local dispute underlying the water quality problems. He emphasized that his actions were aimed at addressing legitimate concerns and maintaining public health standards, rather than intimidating residents.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions in Indore's municipal governance, with conflicting narratives from political parties and residents over water safety and civic conduct. The protest underscores the need for transparent investigations and effective solutions to ensure access to clean water and respectful public service in the city.
