New Delhi [India], January 17 : Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Saturday slammed the BJP's handling of the water contamination incident in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, which claimed several lives and affected numerous families.
In a post on X, Shrinate said the BJP's "poisonous governance model" has devastated many families and claimed that the government is not taking responsibility for the incident.
The Congress leader also mentioned that 24 people have lost their lives from drinking dirty water.
"Leader of the Opposition @RahulGandhi ji met with the people who fell ill due to contaminated water at Bombay Hospital in Indore. In Indore's Bhagirathpura, 24 people have lost their lives from drinking dirty water, and many others are seriously ill. The BJP government's 'poisonous model' has devastated many families, and the government is turning its face away from its responsibility," said Shrinate.
Earlier today, Rahul Gandhi met with the families of those who lost their lives due to the consumption of contaminated water in Indore's Bhagirathpura locality and demanded accountability from the state government over the incident.
Upon his arrival in the city this morning, the Congress leader reached the Bombay Hospital and met the victims of water contamination and their families. Thereafter, he visited the Bhagirathpura area of the city and interacted with the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. During his visit, heavy security arrangements were put in place in the area.
When asked about whether he was stopped from meeting the families, the Congress MP said, "I was not stopped (from meeting the families). This is not politics. I am an opposition leader. People died here, and people are not getting clean water here. I am here to highlight their issues. This is my job. It is my responsibility. I am here to help them and stand with them. You can call it whatever you want. Call it politics if you wish. I don't care. I am standing with these people (affected families)"
Accompanied by families affected by the water contamination incident in Bhagirathpura, he also demanded that the victims be given proper compensation.
"Those who committed this. There must be someone responsible or someone in the government for this. The government should take responsibility. The compensation and treatment cost assistance for the incident that happened because of the government's negligence should be given to the affected families," Gandhi told reporters in Indore.
Following their interaction with Rahul Gandhi, victims of the water contamination incident expressed gratitude for the support extended to them, alleging that other political parties had failed to provide assistance.
Kishor Dhubkar, one of the victims, said he had a detailed conversation with the Congress leader, who assured them of continued support and assistance.
"We had a very good conversation with Rahul Gandhi. He provided us with a lot of support. I have not received such support from other parties. He gave me a cheque of Rs 1 lakh. In addition, he said that he will take full responsibility for us, and he has also promised assistance for a government job," Dhubkar said.