Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Indore on Saturday. He met families affected by the contaminated drinking water tragedy. Gandhi paid condolences to the bereaved in Bhagirathpura area.
Gandhi Accuses Government of Negligence
Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha. He accused the BJP government of negligence. He said the government failed in its basic duty to provide clean drinking water.
Gandhi visited Bombay Hospital in Indore. He met seven patients undergoing treatment. They fell ill after drinking contaminated water. He spoke at length with the patients and their families.
Questions About Medical Care and Costs
Gandhi inquired about their medical condition. He asked about treatment costs. He also questioned administrative lapses in the response.
Criticism of Smart City Project
Gandhi criticized the implementation of the Smart City project. Indore is promoted as a model city under this project. Yet, it still lacks an assured supply of clean drinking water.
He said, "This is a smart city of the new model. In this model there is no clean drinking water, the people are intimidated. In Indore, people die after drinking water. This is the urban model."
Wider Issue Across Cities
Gandhi noted this is not just happening in Indore. It occurs in various other cities too. He emphasized the government's responsibility to ensure clean water and less pollution.
He stated, "It is the government’s responsibility to ensure clean drinking water and less pollution, which the government is not able to deliver."
Demand for Accountability
Gandhi demanded that the government fix accountability. He said, "There must be somebody who must be responsible… Somebody from the government who did all of this. The government must take responsibility for this."
He shared insights from the families. They told him there is no drinking water. Gandhi described the current measures as a bandaid solution.
He warned, "The minute the media attention is off this case, the situation will go back to where it was. The government must fulfill its responsibility, that’s all they are asking."
Response to BJP Allegations
The ruling BJP alleged the Opposition is "playing politics" over the tragedy. Gandhi brushed off these claims. He said, "As a leader of the Opposition it is my duty to come here and stand by the people…You can call it whatever you want… I don’t care, I stand with them."
Government Report Details
The Madhya Pradesh government presented a death audit report to the High Court. It revealed a total of 23 deaths in Bhagirathpura. At least 15 are suspected to have died from contaminated water.
A status report detailed the medical response. It said 440 patients were reported across various hospitals. Eight patients were admitted to ICU. 411 patients were discharged after treatment. 21 patients remain active across hospitals.
This incident highlights ongoing public health challenges in urban areas. It raises questions about the effectiveness of government projects like Smart City.
