The Madhya Pradesh Congress has announced a major protest against the state's BJP government following a tragic incident of water contamination in Indore. The party will hold a foot march on Sunday, demanding accountability and substantial compensation for the affected families.
Congress Announces Protest March and Key Demands
Addressing the media in Bhopal on Saturday, senior Congress leaders outlined their plan of action. Former minister PC Sharma, PCC spokesman Rahul Raj, and Bhopal district Congress President Praveen Saxena declared that the party would organize a protest march in Indore. Their primary demands include the immediate resignation of Indore mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava and a compensation of Rs 1 crore for each family that lost a member due to the contaminated water.
Dispute Over Casualty Figures and Allegations of Negligence
Praveen Saxena contested the official death toll, claiming that the number of casualties in the Indore water contamination tragedy has reached 20, significantly higher than the government's figure of 6. He further stated that over 1,000 residents in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore have fallen ill. The Congress leaders attributed this crisis to criminal negligence and administrative failure by the BJP-led government and municipal authorities.
The protest march, termed a 'public outrage march,' is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 11 am. It will commence from the Bada Ganpati Temple and proceed to Rajwada Chowk, the site of the Maa Ahilyabai Holkar statue. The Congress expects participation from its senior state leaders, public representatives, office bearers, workers, and a large number of Indore residents.
Call for Judicial Inquiry and Continued Agitation
Former minister PC Sharma intensified the attack, calling for the removal of the "incompetent mayor." He also demanded the resignation of Minister for Urban Administration Kailash Vijayvargiya for what he described as "insensitive statements" regarding the incident. Sharma insisted that a mere compensation of Rs 2 lakh was insufficient and reiterated the demand for Rs 1 crore per victim's family.
The leaders have called for a judicial inquiry into the entire tragedy. Furthermore, they demand that a case of culpable homicide be registered against those found responsible for the lapses that led to the contamination.
Congress spokesman Rahul Raj emphasized the party's commitment to the issue, stating, "The Congress party will continue its struggle from the streets to the assembly and Parliament until the victims of the water contamination receive justice." This indicates that the protest march is likely the beginning of a sustained political campaign on the matter.
