MP BJP Leader Says Citizens Also Responsible for Clean Drinking Water After Indore Deaths
Outrage sparks as MP shifts responsibility amid Indore tragedy.
A major political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh following the deaths of 20 residents in Indore's Bhagirathpura area due to consumption of contaminated drinking water, with BJP MP from Khandwa, Gyaneshwar Patil, declaring that ensuring clean water is partly the responsibility of citizens rather than solely the government's duty.
Responding to questions about preventive measures in his own constituency post the Indore incident, Patil emphasized collective accountability, stating that neither municipal councils nor village panchayats can rely entirely on the government, and that the public must actively participate by regularly cleaning water tanks and sources while promptly reporting shortcomings to the administration for resolution.
The MP highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship initiatives like providing taps in every household under the Jal Jeevan Mission, asserting that continuous instructions have been issued for maintaining water hygiene, and described the Indore tragedy as unfortunate while assuring that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is personally monitoring the situation with strict action against those found negligent.
Also Read: MP CM Fires Top Indore Officials After Deadly Water Contamination
The Congress party launched a fierce counterattack, with spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta labeling Patil's remarks as highly irresponsible and an attempt to evade governmental accountability, questioning whether essential civic duties like drain cleaning or verifying hospital medicines should also fall on citizens, and demanding that taxes be refunded if basic services like safe drinking water are not the state's obligation.
Gupta warned of statewide protests unless the BJP immediately clarifies its position, as the crisis has severely tarnished Indore's reputation as India's cleanest city for eight consecutive years under Swachh Survekshan rankings, prompting the state government to swiftly issue comprehensive administrative guidelines and initiate disciplinary proceedings against errant officials.
Also Read: “Poison in the Pipes”: Rahul Gandhi Targets BJP After Indore Deaths
