Indore Drinking Water Crisis: Rahul Gandhi Questions ‘Smart City’ Model After Deaths, Meets Patients In Hospital

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the state government of negligence over deaths linked to contaminated drinking water in Indore, questioning claims of urban development in what is often

promoted as India’s cleanest city. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha visited families affected by a vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak in the Bhagirathpura area. He said access to clean drinking water is a basic public right that authorities have failed to ensure.Rahul Gandhi met patients undergoing treatment at Bombay Hospital and interacted with their relatives. He was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari and state assembly opposition leader Umang Singhar. He later visited Bhagirathpura and offered condolences to bereaved families. He also visited the homes of two elderly residents who died during the outbreak and met several affected families at a common location.

Speaking to reporters, Rahul Gandhi said people in Indore were dying after consuming contaminated water, calling it a failure of governance. He questioned the so-called “smart city” model, saying development claims mean little if residents lack safe drinking water.“This is not just about Indore,” he said, adding, “Similar situations exist in cities across the country.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVTRzaEdNfA

Rahul Gandhi said someone in the government must be held accountable for the deaths and demanded full support and adequate compensation for victims’ families. He accused the ruling BJP of avoiding responsibility and showing insensitivity toward affected residents.Congress leaders said the party provided financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to 16 families, while Singhar separately offered Rs 50,000 per family.

What Are Residents Saying?

Residents have claimed at least 24 deaths linked to the outbreak. However, the state government told the Madhya Pradesh High Court that seven deaths, including one infant, were directly linked.

A government medical college report said 15 deaths may be associated with the outbreak. Officials said compensation was paid to 21 families on humanitarian grounds, even where deaths were attributed to other causes.Gandhi rejected claims that his visit was politically motivated, saying raising public health concerns was part of his responsibility as leader of the opposition.