Indore – A political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh following a visit by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to Indore, where he met with families affected by a recent water contamination incident in the Bhagirathpura locality. The incident, which has allegedly led to several deaths and widespread health issues, has sparked a blame game between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.
Gandhi's visit was intended as a show of solidarity with the victims and to demand accountability from the state government. However, his presence has been met with criticism from BJP leaders, including Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who labeled Gandhi a "disaster tourist". Vijayvargiya accused Gandhi of merely engaging in photo opportunities and then leaving, while the real work of development remains with the BJP. "Whoever comes to our city, we welcome them, whether they come as a tourist or in any other form. The situation is fully under control. He always comes as a tourist. This time, he has arrived as a disaster tourist. He will take some photos and leave. The rest of the development of Indore is for us to do," Vijayvargiya stated.
The Congress party has announced a large protest in Indore to highlight what it alleges are administrative failures that led to the tragedy. Senior Congress leaders, including state Congress chief Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Umang Singhar, are expected to participate in the protest. The party also planned a statewide protest on January 17, with Congress workers holding sit-ins at Mahatma Gandhi's statues.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also criticized the Congress, accusing the party of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. "It is unfortunate that Congress takes disasters as an opportunity for politics. We have taken the issue very seriously and felt the pain with sensitivity. I would also advise them to raise the issue with a sense of positivity. We would welcome your suggestions. But if you play politics during a disaster, the people of Indore won't forgive you,” Yadav said.
The water contamination incident in Bhagirathpura has drawn widespread condemnation and intensified the political climate in Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi met with affected families at Bombay Hospital and in the Bhagirathpura area, promising to hold the government accountable and demanding compensation for the victims. He emphasized the government's responsibility for the incident and the need to ensure such tragedies do not recur.
Vijayvargiya expressed sadness over the incident and acknowledged the government's responsibility to prevent similar occurrences. "We are all saddened by this incident. It is our responsibility to ensure such an incident does not happen again, and for that, we are working in the state," he said.
The back-and-forth between the BJP and Congress underscores the heightened political tensions surrounding the incident, even as families grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.
