Will Congress's 'Nyay Yatra' on January 11 Push for Vijayvargiya's Resignation amid Indore Water Crisis?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nyay Yatra aims to address accountability amidst the water crisis.
- Protest scheduled for January 11 in Indore.
- Congress party alleges higher fatalities than reported.
- Political tensions rise as residents demand justice.
- BJP government accused of concealing true extent of the crisis.
Indore, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Congress party in Madhya Pradesh has escalated its criticism of the BJP administration, declaring a ‘Nyay Yatra’ (March for Justice) scheduled for January 11. This protest aims to hold officials accountable for the ongoing contaminated water crisis in the Bhagirathpura neighborhood of Indore, a situation that the Congress claims has resulted in more fatalities than officially reported.
The party is demanding the resignation of Kailash Vijayvargiya, the Urban Administration Minister and local MLA, asserting that he bears direct responsibility.
A strategic meeting with block presidents, councillors, and party leaders was held to finalize the protest plans based on collective feedback.
State Congress president Jitu Patwari accused the BJP-led government of intentionally concealing the actual death toll and restricting access to the affected areas to mask the extent of the disaster.
“With another death confirmed on Monday, we now have recorded 30 fatalities in Indore due to the contaminated water provided by the municipal corporation,” Patwari informed the media.
He also alleged that authorities barred party leaders, including former Minister Sajjan Verma, from visiting the households in Bhagirathpura.
The upcoming Nyay Yatra will start at Bada Ganpati Chouraha and culminate at the statue of Ahilya Bai Holkar in Rajwada, aiming to seek justice for the families affected and to pay homage in each ward across the city.
Patwari condemned the incident as “premeditated murder” instead of mere negligence, advocating for murder charges against those accountable.
Official reports presented to the Indore High Court indicate only four deaths and over 200 hospitalizations due to sewage leakage into drinking water systems, with thousands suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting. However, local residents and opposition claims suggest the number of casualties could be as high as 17 or more.
The crisis, which began around December 21-25, 2025, has revealed significant infrastructure shortcomings in what is considered India’s cleanest city. This has incited political outrage, particularly following Vijayvargiya's controversial ‘ghanta’ comment regarding journalistic inquiries into the matter.
As political tensions escalate, the Nyay Yatra is poised to rally public support, encouraging Indore residents to participate in demanding transparency and justice.