Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Jan 17: Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that its much-touted ‘smart city’ model has failed, as people in Indore continue to suffer due to contaminated drinking water, leading to a diarrhoea outbreak and multiple deaths.
Addressing affected families in Bhagirathpura, Gandhi said, “People died and entire families fell ill after consuming contaminated water. It was promised that the country would get smart cities, but this is the new model—there is no clean drinking water. People are being scared, and the government is failing in its responsibility.”
While the state health department has confirmed six deaths linked to contaminated water in the area, residents and independent assessments have suggested the toll could be higher. A panel of doctors from a government medical college has reportedly attributed at least 15 deaths to the recent diarrhoea outbreak, a senior official confirmed.
Referring to reports of sewage contamination in drinking water in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi said the crisis was not limited to Indore and termed it a serious public health and environmental issue.
“The government’s duty is to ensure clean water and reduce pollution, but it is not fulfilling that responsibility. Someone must be held accountable. Compensation should be given for treatment and for deaths caused due to negligence,” he said.
Gandhi also alleged that the administration had resorted to temporary measures only because of media attention. “Residents told me the water tank here is only symbolic. Once the spotlight shifts, contaminated water will be supplied again. The government must work systematically to ensure clean water,” he added.
Reacting to Gandhi’s visit, Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat questioned the timing, saying the Congress leader had arrived “after 20 days” when the situation was improving. “The government was on the ground helping people. This visit is about politics, not support,” he alleged.
Gandhi countered the charge, saying, “I am here to support the people. As Leader of the Opposition, it is my responsibility to raise their issues. If someone calls this politics, so be it—but people must get clean water.”
During his visit, Gandhi met families of Geeta Bai and Jeevanlal, whose deaths were linked to contaminated water, and handed over cheques to them. Later, at Sanskar Garden, he met other affected families, distributing Rs 1 lakh each, while state Congress leader Umang Singhar provided Rs 50,000 per family.
Meanwhile, the state administration said it has already disbursed Rs 2 lakh compensation each to 18 affected families, stating that the assistance was aimed at helping those who lost their loved ones.