Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) state and central leadership following a tragic water contamination incident in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, which has resulted in the deaths of 10 people. Gandhi accused the BJP's "double-engine government" of negligence and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue.
A City's Clean Image Shattered by Tragedy
Indore, a city celebrated for its cleanliness and which held the title of 'India's Cleanest City' for eight consecutive years, including winning the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 award, is now grappling with a severe public health emergency. The crisis stems from the alleged mixing of sewage water into the drinking water supply in the Bhagirathpura area.
Despite its accolades, the city's administration failed to act on multiple warnings. Officials have revealed that the first complaints about foul-smelling water were registered via the Indore Mayor's helpline approximately two months before the outbreak. Furthermore, a critical report recommending the replacement of old pipelines reportedly remained stuck, unapproved, within the municipal corporation for over a year.
Gandhi's Scathing Critique and Demand for Accountability
In a series of posts on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi painted a grim picture of administrative failure. "In Indore, there was no water—just poison being distributed, while the administration slumbered like Kumbhakarna," he stated. He highlighted the plight of the poor and criticized BJP leaders for issuing "arrogant statements" instead of offering solace to grieving families.
Directly targeting the Prime Minister, Gandhi added, "Every time the poor die, Modi ji, as always, remains silent." He posed a series of pointed questions to the Mohan Yadav-led Madhya Pradesh government:
- Why was no action taken despite repeated public complaints about dirty water?
- How did sewage get mixed into the potable water supply?
- Why wasn't the contaminated supply shut off immediately?
- When will officials and leaders responsible be held accountable?
Gandhi emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental right to life, not a favor, and placed the blame squarely on the BJP's dual government structure for the "murder of this right."
A Pattern of Misgovernance in Madhya Pradesh?
The Congress leader broadened his criticism by referencing other recent tragedies in the state. He recalled the deaths linked to contaminated cough syrup earlier in the year and incidents of negligence in government hospitals. "Madhya Pradesh has now become the epicentre of misgovernance," Gandhi asserted, connecting the water tragedy to a larger pattern of administrative failure.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has intervened in the matter, ordering the immediate supply of clean drinking water to affected residents and urging authorities to "uphold the beauty of Indore." The incident has sparked outrage, turning the national spotlight on the infrastructure and governance challenges facing the award-winning city, even as families mourn the loss of their loved ones.
