Bhopal, January 2, 2026: Indore water tragedy triggered sharp political reactions after at least 10 people died due to alleged contamination of drinking water in the city. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday blamed the BJP’s double-engine government in Madhya Pradesh and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent when the poor suffer.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the Indore water tragedy exposed deep administrative failure. He alleged that sewage-contaminated water reached households in Bhagirathpura and caused widespread illness and deaths. “Not water, but poison was distributed in Indore,” he wrote, adding that officials stayed asleep despite repeated complaints.
Rahul Gandhi described Madhya Pradesh as the epicentre of misgovernance. He cited earlier incidents, including deaths linked to cough syrup and poor hygiene in government hospitals. According to him, insensitive leadership worsened the pain of grieving families.
The controversy intensified after senior BJP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya used an objectionable remark when questioned about the incident. Rahul Gandhi said victims needed compassion, not arrogance.
Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed 10 deaths due to a diarrhoea outbreak. However, local residents claimed the toll reached 14, including an infant. Health officials have not verified this figure.
CMHO Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasani said lab tests confirmed water contamination due to pipeline leakage. Officials found the leak near a toilet built over the main supply line. More than 1,400 people have fallen ill in the area over nine days.
