A severe water contamination crisis in Indore's Bhagirathpura area has claimed multiple lives and hospitalized over 200 residents, sparking fierce political backlash against the Madhya Pradesh government. Congress leader and former CM Digvijaya Singh directly blamed Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava and local BJP figures for the tragedy, demanding strict punishment for all involved, including senior officials. Singh condemned the Mayor's on-site behavior as "deplorable" during a Bhopal media interaction, urging comprehensive accountability.
Senior Congress MP Vivek Tankha accused the state of concealing facts behind the diarrhoea outbreak, which has disproportionately affected children and seniors. Cutting across lines, BJP veteran Uma Bharti lambasted CM Mohan Yadav, calling the incident a "shame" on Madhya Pradesh and a critical leadership test. In social media posts, Bharti decried the polluted water deaths as disgracing the state, government, and system.
The crisis unfolded over recent days, with contaminated supply triggering widespread food poisoning cases confirmed via tests. Indore District Collector Shivam Verma launched an intensive Saturday survey, deploying teams for door-to-door water quality checks in Bhagirathpura, including tanker supplies, underground tanks, and rooftops. Officials are also running awareness drives on safe drinking water to safeguard vulnerable groups.
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Verma emphasized close monitoring, with instructions for thorough inspections around affected sites and water supply line verifications. Multiple departments coordinate to trace contamination sources, aiming to prevent further casualties. The administration's proactive measures follow public outcry and political pressure, signaling urgency in resolving the public health emergency.
This incident highlights systemic lapses in urban water management, fueling demands for transparency and reform. As investigations continue, the political storm intensifies, with opposition pushing for resignations and BJP internals questioning governance. Residents await assured clean water to avert more tragedies.
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