Rahul Gandhi’s blistering condemnation of Indore’s water crisis as the epitome of BJP’s ‘urban model’ has gone viral after a tragic death linked to tainted supply. The Congress stalwart used the platform to expose what he calls a governance sham in the MP powerhouse city.
The victim, 25-year-old engineering graduate Ravi Kumar, ingested the deadly water during a family meal. Admitted with violent vomiting and fever, he battled for 48 hours before succumbing to septic shock. IMC admits contamination from a burst main near a slum, but locals claim cover-ups.
In a video message, Gandhi lamented: ‘Their urban model kills the youth who build the nation.’ He drew parallels to Amethi and Wayanad successes under Congress, vowing to champion safe water rights.
Behind the headlines, Indore’s water grid is a tinderbox. Built decades ago, it handles double the load with leakages up to 35%. Recent audits reveal chlorination lapses and unmonitored borewells feeding the system.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav responded swiftly, announcing Rs 50 crore for upgrades and a special task force. Yet, Rahul questioned timelines, citing past unfulfilled pledges.
Public outrage simmers with candlelight vigils and #IndoreWaterKills trending. Experts advocate smart meters, AI monitoring, and rainwater harvesting to avert repeats.
Indore’s Swachh Survekshan trophies now feel hollow. This crisis underscores urban India’s Achilles’ heel: infrastructure lagging ambition.
Gandhi’s intervention has nationalized the discourse, pressuring BJP on 2024 manifesto deliverables. For Ravi’s family and thousands affected, answers can’t come soon enough.