A controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after state minister Kailash Vijayvargiya lost his cool during a media interaction regarding a severe contaminated drinking water crisis in Indore. The incident, caught on camera, saw the senior BJP leader using an objectionable word, leading to a political storm and demands for his resignation.
The Outburst and Immediate Aftermath
The Urban Development and Housing Minister was responding to questions on Wednesday night about the dire situation in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, which falls under his own Indore-1 assembly constituency. While initially calm, his temper flared when journalists pressed him on why many affected residents had not received refunds for private hospital bills and why adequate safe drinking water arrangements were still lacking.
The exchange escalated into an argument, with Vijayvargiya telling a journalist, "Leave it, don't ask free (unnecessary) questions," before using the objectionable term. Following the video's viral spread on social media, the minister issued a statement expressing regret. He cited working continuously for two days without sleep in the affected area and the deep grief over the suffering of his constituents as reasons for his misplaced words.
Scale of the Health Emergency
The trigger for the confrontation is a serious public health emergency. Official health department data confirms that the diarrhoea outbreak linked to contaminated water in Bhagirathpura has resulted in four confirmed deaths. Furthermore, a total of 212 patients required hospitalisation, of which 50 have been discharged after recovery.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has described the situation as "emergency-like" and promised strict action against those responsible for the water contamination. The area has witnessed frantic efforts by health and municipal authorities to contain the outbreak and provide alternative water supplies.
Political Repercussions and Demands
The opposition Congress party seized the opportunity to attack the state government. Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari shared the viral video, claiming the death toll had risen and accusing BJP leaders of "arrogance" in the face of public suffering.
Patwari demanded that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav seek Vijayvargiya's resignation on moral grounds, arguing that the minister's conduct was unacceptable. This incident has shifted the focus from the administrative response to the crisis to the minister's behaviour, intensifying political tensions in the state.
As the investigation into the source of contamination continues, the residents of Bhagirathpura await a permanent solution to the water safety issues, while the political drama unfolds around their elected representative's controversial remarks.
