Is Congress Right to Demand a Judicial Probe into Child Deaths Linked to Cough Syrup in Rajasthan and MP?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Congress party is calling for a judicial inquiry into the alarming deaths of children linked to contaminated cough syrup in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. This demand comes amidst accusations of corruption and negligence against the BJP-led state governments, raising serious concerns about public health and safety.
Key Takeaways
- Judicial inquiry demanded by Congress over child deaths.
- Allegations of corruption and negligence against state governments.
- Calls for accountability in healthcare procurement.
- Concerns about public health and safety highlighted.
- Need for urgent action from the government.
Bhopal/Jaipur, Oct 7 (NationPress) The Congress party has launched a fierce critique of the BJP-led administrations in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, claiming significant corruption in the procurement of pharmaceuticals and calling for a judicial investigation into the tragic deaths of children allegedly caused by tainted cough syrup.
During a press briefing at Indira Bhawan, Tika Ram Jully, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Rajasthan Assembly, alongside Umang Singhar, his Madhya Pradesh counterpart, accused both state governments of negligence and attempts to cover up the issue.
LoP Jully stated that four children have died in Rajasthan due to the cough syrup, yet the state government persists in denying any connection.
He criticized Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar for procuring medicines from blacklisted pharmaceutical companies and for opting to form a committee instead of taking immediate action.
Furthermore, Jully alleged that the Rajasthan government has not succeeded in banning the syrup at the local level or in conducting a survey to identify affected children, despite having access to digital health records.
Concerns were also raised regarding a recent fire incident in the ICU of Jaipur's SMS Hospital, which resulted in eight fatalities.
He claimed that hospital staff neglected their responsibilities during the emergency, and that Health Minister Khimsar only visited the site after a delay of 24 hours.
In Madhya Pradesh, LoP Singhar reported that 16 children died in Chhindwara district, allegedly due to the same cough syrup.
Despite an appeal from a local MLA for an investigation, no actions were taken.
Singhar criticized Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for vacationing in Kaziranga Park during this crisis and condemned the Deputy Chief Ministers for prematurely exonerating the syrup manufacturer of any culpability.
He also raised questions regarding the lack of kidney failure tests conducted on the affected children, hinting at possible collusion between pharmaceutical companies and government officials, particularly in tribal areas like Parasia.
Singhar demanded compensation and job opportunities for the families of the deceased children, emphasizing that the Centre's advisory on cough syrup issued on October 3 was disregarded by both state governments.
Additionally, he cited shocking incidents such as rats attacking newborns in a Madhya Pradesh hospital and the increase in malnutrition rates, which he claimed surpass the national average.
He accused the state government of corruption in the Nutrition Diet Scheme and of failing to address crimes against children.
The Congress leaders reiterated their demand for a judicial inquiry to guarantee accountability and justice for the victims.
Earlier, Chief Minister Yadav criticized Congress regarding this issue before departing for Chhindwara, stating, "I urge the Congress to reconsider its strategy. It's easy to make allegations, but their casual demeanor only diverts the government from its duties. When they were in power, they failed to act decisively in similar situations. Conversely, our (BJP) government responds promptly and operates with utmost sensitivity. Wherever there is negligence by government staff, we will implement strict and appropriate measures."
Point of View
Especially in safeguarding public health. Both state governments must address the allegations seriously to restore public trust and ensure justice for the affected families.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Congress to call for a judicial probe?
The Congress party is urging a judicial probe due to allegations of corruption in medicine procurement and the tragic deaths of children linked to contaminated cough syrup in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
How many child deaths are reported in connection to the cough syrup?
Reports indicate that four children died in Rajasthan and 16 in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly due to the contaminated cough syrup.
What actions have the state governments taken regarding the allegations?
The state governments have faced criticism for not taking decisive action, including failing to investigate the deaths or ban the cough syrup.
What are the broader implications of this situation?
This situation raises serious concerns about public health safety, government accountability, and the need for stricter regulations on pharmaceuticals.
What did Chief Minister Yadav say in response to the allegations?
Chief Minister Yadav criticized the Congress for their allegations, urging them to reflect on their approach and emphasizing that his government acts with sensitivity and urgency.
