Contaminated Water Crisis in Indore: Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Madhya Pradesh Government

In Indore, a tragic incident involving contaminated drinking water has led to the deaths of at least 10 individuals, prompting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to criticize the Madhya Pradesh government. He questioned the silence of Prime Minister Modi and highlighted the state's misgovernance. With over 1,400 people falling ill and more than 200 hospitalized, Gandhi's remarks underscore the urgent need for accountability and action. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has also intervened, ordering the municipal corporation to supply additional water tankers and ensure clean drinking water for residents. This crisis raises serious concerns about public health and governance in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 18:17 IST

Contaminated Water Leads to Tragedy in Indore

On Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised concerns regarding the Madhya Pradesh government's handling of a crisis in Indore, where at least 10 individuals have died after consuming contaminated drinking water. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence in the face of such tragedies affecting the poor.

Gandhi described the state as an “epicenter of misgovernance” and questioned why officials ignored repeated complaints from residents about the foul-smelling water.

Reports indicate that over 1,400 people fell ill in the Bhagirathpura area, exhibiting symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, with the first cases emerging on December 24. Residents had previously reported that the water had an unusual odor.

Additionally, more than 200 individuals were hospitalized due to the contamination.

Indore's Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed the 10 deaths attributed to the contaminated water, although local residents claim the toll is higher, with 14 fatalities, including an infant.

The state health department has yet to verify these figures.

Chief Medical and Health Officer Madhav Prasad Hasani stated that laboratory tests from a local medical college confirmed contamination in the drinking water, linked to a pipeline leak.

Authorities had previously identified a leak in the main water supply pipeline, which was located beneath a toilet, as a potential source of contamination.

Gandhi accused the government of distributing poison instead of water, highlighting the despair among the affected families. He criticized the BJP leaders for their arrogance amidst the crisis.

State minister Kailash Vijayvargiya faced backlash for using inappropriate language when questioned about the deaths.

Gandhi posed critical questions regarding the sewage contamination of drinking water and demanded accountability for the negligence of officials and leaders.

He emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental right, blaming the BJP's administration for the ongoing crisis in Madhya Pradesh, which he described as rife with misgovernance.

High Court Orders Action for Clean Water Supply

On the same day, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the municipal corporation in Indore to provide additional water tankers and emphasized the need to maintain the city's appeal, as reported by a local media outlet.

A bench comprising Justices Dwarkadhish Bansal and Rajendra Kumar Vani was addressing a public interest litigation concerning the fatalities. The court urged the municipal corporation and state government to ensure a regular supply of clean water and to offer treatment to those affected.

“This is significant news,” Justice Bansal remarked. “If people are dying due to water contamination, this is unacceptable… We must preserve the beauty of Indore.”

During the hearing, the municipal corporation indicated that it had dispatched 30 water tankers.

“I want you to send more water tankers and provide photographic evidence to the lawyer,” the bench instructed. “We should dispatch the tankers within 10 minutes…”

In response, the municipal corporation committed to sending four additional water tankers immediately.