BJP's Smart City Claim Falls Flat as Rahul Gandhi Slams Lack of Clean Drinking Water in Indore

Image Source: Internet

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Indore on Saturday to raise awareness about the city's contaminated water crisis, which has claimed at least six lives. The state health department has confirmed the deaths, while residents claim the toll is much higher, with a panel of doctors attributing at least 15 deaths to the outbreak of diarrhoea. Gandhi met patients at Bombay Hospital and families of those who died, saying the government's 'new model smart city' is a far cry from reality. 'There's no drinking water, and people are being scared,' he stated, highlighting the need for clean water and reduced pollution. The situation is not isolated to Indore, with reports of sewage contamination in drinking water across parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi accused the government of failing in its responsibility to provide clean water, calling for accountability and compensation for the affected families. He also criticized the government's temporary solution, saying it would only last until the media attention shifts. The state's Water Resources Minister, Tulsiram Silawat, questioned Gandhi's visit, saying it was 'not to support people but to do politics.' Gandhi countered that as Leader of the Opposition, it was his duty to raise the people's issues and ensure they receive clean water. During his visit, Gandhi handed over cheques to affected families, while the state administration has distributed compensation to 18 families. Over 450 people were admitted to hospitals, with five patients still in the ICU.