Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya came under heavy criticism over his comment on the action taken by the government amid Indore contaminated water row. Around eight people have been killed and nearly 150 were hospitalised this week after consuming contaminated water. The state government has directed strict action against the concerned officials responsible for the lapse — with two officials suspended and a third dismissed from service.
A video of Vijayvargiya dismissing a pointed question by NDTV reporter has gone viral on social media platforms — with many applauding the scribe for ‘upholding truth to power’. The journalist had asked why responsibility for the deaths was being laid squarely on junior officials without invoking their seniors. He also questioned the lack of proper drinking water facilities in the affected area.
“Leave it. Don’t ask pointless questions….kya ghanta hoga…” Vijayvargiya can be heard saying in response.
What is the issue?
At least eight people were killed and nearly 150 others hospitalised after consuming contaminated water in Madhya Pradesh. The incident took place earlier this week in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore. The state administration had subsequently initiated emergency measures and dispatched survey teams to the region. Indore District Magistrate Shivam Verma told ANI that approximately 149 people are currently hospitalised and their condition is being closely monitored.
He also said that survey teams were conducting door-to-door checks to identify other affected individuals and prevent additional spread of the illness. Nearly 2,700 houses had been surveyed till Tuesday and the exercise was being extended to include nearby areas. ANM and ASHA workers are also visiting households and distributing ORS packets to residents as a preventive measure.
How did it happen?
“I feel that a mistake has been committed, but it is better if we first ensure that all patients recover and create a positive environment rather than discuss this now,” an NDTV report quoted the Madhya Pradesh Minister as saying.
“Sewer leakages lead to such incidents, will ensure such negligence will be avoided in future”, added Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav.
BJP vs Congress
The incident has also triggered a political war of words with Opposition leaders lashing out at the BJP.
“The people of Indore city kept electing them again and again as MPs. They gave them nine MLAs, a mayor and councillors. And what did the BJP do? They poisoned the water and delivered death. The arrogance is so astonishing and unimaginable that when journalists ask questions, ministers abuse them. I had very high hopes from the chief minister. When I went to meet the families whose members had died, at their homes, everyone felt that the government would help them,” Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari told PTI.