A shocking death in Indore has ignited a political firestorm, with Rahul Gandhi branding the city’s water woes as the BJP’s prized ‘urban model.’ The Congress MP’s pointed criticism follows the demise of a resident from drinking contaminated tap water, shattering the narrative of Indore as a sanitation success story.
Details emerged from the upscale Vijay Nagar locality, where 32-year-old Meena Patel collapsed at home. Medical reports attribute her death to acute gastroenteritis caused by polluted water sources. Neighbors report murky, foul-smelling supply for over a month, blaming IMC’s negligence amid expansion projects.
Taking to social media, Gandhi posted a poignant image of grieving kin with the caption: ‘Cleanest city? Try deadliest water.’ He accused central and state governments of prioritizing PR over public health, calling for national intervention.
The incident has unmasked deeper systemic issues. Water quality tests across 50 wards show coliform bacteria in 40% of samples, per independent labs. Urban planners warn that Indore’s growth – from 1.5 million in 2001 to 3.2 million now – strains outdated networks, mixing sewage with potable lines.
BJP defenders highlight recent purification drives and tanker deployments, but critics like Gandhi highlight recurring outbreaks. In 2023 alone, over 5,000 waterborne illness cases were logged here.
Priya’s family, now vocal activists, plans a PIL in the high court. Community groups are organizing door-to-door awareness on boiling water and filters.
This isn’t isolated; similar scares hit Bhopal and Gwalior recently. Gandhi’s broadside amplifies calls for a ‘Water Security Act’ with strict accountability.
As Indore reels, the ‘model city’ tag faces scrutiny. Rahul’s words may echo in upcoming polls, forcing a rethink on urban promises.