Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met families affected by water contamination in Indore, accusing the government of failing to ensure clean drinking water and alleging negligence and lack of accountability. His visit, however, triggered a political confrontation after the BJP targeted the Congress over controversial remarks attributed to party MLA Phool Singh Baraiya.
Accompanied by affected families, Rahul Gandhi said the situation exposed the failure of the “smart city” model, arguing that access to safe drinking water was a basic responsibility of the government. He rejected allegations of political motives behind his visit, stating that highlighting the suffering of affected residents and standing with them was part of his duty as the Leader of the Opposition. He also criticised what he described as temporary arrangements, saying residents were demanding long-term, systematic solutions rather than short-term relief.
Speaking after meeting Rahul Gandhi, a victim from the affected Bhagirathpura area said her family had suffered an irreversible loss due to the contamination. While acknowledging financial assistance provided by the government, she stressed that compensation could not replace lives lost and urged authorities to ensure uninterrupted access to clean water.
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav accused the Congress of double standards, referring to controversial statements allegedly made by Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya. He condemned the remarks and called on the Congress leadership to take strict action, including suspension or expulsion, to demonstrate accountability.
The BJP intensified its attack by circulating a video of Baraiya’s alleged comments on social media, calling them divisive, offensive and harmful to social harmony. BJP leaders demanded a clear response and action from the Congress, arguing that silence amounted to endorsement.
As the political exchange escalated, the Congress had yet to issue an official statement clarifying its position on the MLA’s remarks, even as the focus remained on accountability over the Indore water contamination issue.
