Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti launched a scathing attack on the state government and Indore's civic leadership on Friday, following a tragic incident where contaminated water claimed multiple lives. The veteran BJP leader took to social media platform X to express her outrage, stating the episode has brought shame and disgrace to the entire system.
A 'Maha-Paap' That Shamed the State
In her strongly-worded post, Uma Bharti termed the incident a "maha-paap" (great sin) and demanded "prayaschit" (atonement). She insisted that the government must issue a formal apology to the grieving families and ensure that every official responsible, at every level, faces severe punishment. The criticism comes just days after reports confirmed that 10 people lost their lives in Indore due to the consumption of polluted water.
Compensation No Match for a Lifetime of Grief
Bharti sharply criticised the announced compensation, arguing that Rs 2 lakh cannot be the price of a life. She emphasised that the affected families are condemned to a lifetime of sorrow, which monetary aid cannot erase. The former CM warned that the death toll might still rise, painting a grim picture of a city celebrated for its cleanliness now being exposed for its "ugliness, filth and poisoned water." She described this moment as a critical test for Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, writing, "Yeh Mohan Yadavji ki pariksha ki ghadi hai."
Mayor's Defence Draws Sharp Rebuke
Uma Bharti also directly targeted Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, reacting to his defence that civic officials do not heed his instructions. She posed pointed questions, asking, "If you can't get things done, why occupy the post, and why do you drink packaged water?" This remark underscored her accusation of a failure in basic governance and accountability at the municipal level.
The incident has sparked a major political controversy, putting the spotlight on public health infrastructure and water safety in one of India's consistently top-ranked clean cities. The demand for atonement and strict action highlights the growing public anger and the urgent need for systemic fixes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
