Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, visited Indore today. He met with families who lost loved ones due to contaminated drinking water. Gandhi also spoke with individuals currently receiving hospital treatment for related illnesses.
Accusations of Government Negligence
Rahul Gandhi directly accused the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government of criminal negligence. He stated this negligence led to deaths and sickness in Indore's Bhagirathpura area. The Congress leader demanded the government take full responsibility for the crisis.
"The government must ensure proper compensation and assistance reaches every affected family," Gandhi declared after his meetings.
A National Problem of Clean Water Access
Gandhi emphasized that access to clean drinking water remains a critical, unresolved issue across India. He argued the failure to provide safe water and control pollution shows the government's inability to fulfill its most basic duties.
"Several people have died. Many more have fallen ill. This is a direct result of administrative failure," he noted.
Local Demands for a Permanent Solution
Quoting local residents, Gandhi highlighted the ongoing struggle in Bhagirathpura. He reported there is still no reliable supply of clean drinking water. Current alternative arrangements are temporary and largely symbolic, according to the residents.
Gandhi warned that public attention on the issue is fleeting. Once it fades, the situation could easily return to its dangerous previous state. He said residents are rightfully demanding a permanent, systematic solution to the water crisis.
Questioning the 'Smart City' Model
The Congress leader also raised serious questions about the Smart City scheme's implementation. He remarked sarcastically that a city where citizens lack clean water seems to be the new model of a "Smart City."
Gandhi stressed this problem extends far beyond Indore. He said many cities nationwide face similar challenges with water safety and civic amenities.
Social Media Condemnation and Broader Allegations
Later, on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism. He alleged the BJP's "double-engine government" model is poisoning essential resources.
"This model delivers poisoned water, air, medicine, and land," he posted. Gandhi claimed that when questions are asked, the response is not accountability but the deployment of bulldozers.
He demanded punishment for those responsible for the deaths. Gandhi also called for proper medical treatment and immediate compensation for all victims. He asserted that no one is being held accountable for the deaths of the poor.
Rahul Gandhi concluded by stating his duty as Leader of the Opposition. He said he must raise the concerns of suffering families and stand with them in their fight for basic civic rights.
