Daijiworld Media Network - Balaghat
Balaghat, Sep 14: The Madhya Pradesh Congress will launch a mass movement on September 15 against the deaths of more than 30 tribal children in the Birsa region of Balaghat district.
State Congress President Jitu Patwari will lead a ‘Nyay Yatra’ (March for Justice) from Ambedkar Chowk to the district collector’s office following a public meeting.
The Congress has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of apathy and adopting a “step-motherly” attitude towards the tribal community.
In a post on its X account, the Madhya Pradesh Congress alleged that 30 tribal children had lost their lives due to illness and government neglect, depriving several families of their happiness.
Members of the Congress Seva Dal, accompanied by party chief B. V. Srinivas, had visited the affected families and provided assistance. The party said its sole objective was to ensure that no other child dies in such circumstances.
Reacting to the situation, Patwari, in a post on X, accused the government of being a “ruthless and shameless regime” and alleged that government-induced deaths had become habitual.
He alleged that there was silence even over the deaths of innocent children and claimed that the BJP government was nowhere to be seen while the affected families continued to suffer. In contrast, he said, the Congress’ commitment was visible on the ground.
Political activity in the tribal-dominated Birsa development block has intensified following a recent visit by Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party.
The district Congress has intensified preparations for Patwari’s visit. A meeting of party office-bearers and workers was held at the local Circuit House under District Congress President Sanjay Uike to finalise the strategy for the mass movement and assign responsibilities.
According to the programme, Patwari is scheduled to arrive in Gondia by the Gondwana Express at around 10.30 a.m. and reach Balaghat by road by 11.30 a.m. A massive public meeting will be held at noon.
The Congress plans to raise several issues during the meeting, including the deaths of children due to infection, the alleged rice scam, the ‘double money’ scheme case, the alleged assault of a pregnant woman by police, and the demand for paddy procurement at Rs 3,100 per quintal.
Following the public meeting, the ‘Nyay Yatra’ will proceed to the district collector’s office, where a memorandum seeking justice for the victims will be submitted.
Patwari will also meet the families of the deceased children.
The District Congress has appealed to all frontal organisations and party workers to participate in the programme in large numbers.