Did Jitu Patwari Engage with BJP Leader Sumitra Mahajan in Indore?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jitu Patwari and Sumitra Mahajan discussed the serious issue of contaminated water.
- The meeting signifies a possible collaboration between Congress and BJP.
- At least 24 deaths have been reported linked to contaminated water in Bhagirathpura.
- Former BJP leaders have expressed concerns over the tragic incident.
- Rahul Gandhi's upcoming visit underscores the urgency of the situation.
Indore, January 16 (NationPress) In a notable political development in Madhya Pradesh on Friday, State Congress President Jitu Patwari initiated contact with the prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) figure and former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at her residence in Indore.
Accompanying Patwari was Indore Congress District (Urban) President Chintu Choukse, as they partook in discussions that were later shared by the State Congress Media Cell, indicating a constructive dialogue.
“Today, I had a meeting with Sumitra Mahajan (Tai ji) where we addressed issues concerning contaminated water and other pressing matters,” Patwari remarked in an official statement.
Affectionately referred to as 'Tai' (elder sister) by individuals from various political affiliations, Mahajan has been vocal regarding the tragic deaths linked to contaminated water in Indore's Bhagirathpura region.
Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Uma Bharti has also been critical of the state government concerning the Bhagirathpura incident.
On Wednesday, Mahajan characterized the incident as 'a wake-up call' for the ruling BJP, expressing that it was 'very painful' and emphasizing that the BJP had significantly contributed to making Indore the cleanest city in India over the years.
This meeting was particularly significant as it took place just one day before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to visit Indore's Bhagirathpura, where over 15 individuals lost their lives and many others suffered due to contaminated water consumption.
The Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee announced that Rahul Gandhi would arrive in Indore around 11 a.m. on Saturday, planning to visit Bombay Hospital to meet affected patients and their families.
Later that day, he will also visit Bhagirathpura to engage with families and patients suffering from the outbreak of vomiting and diarrhea attributed to water contamination.
The State Congress claims that at least 24 fatalities have resulted from the contaminated water issue in Bhagirathpura.
Conversely, the Madhya Pradesh government, in a recent report to the Indore bench of the High Court, stated it has compensated the families of 21 individuals who may have died in Indore's Bhagirathpura, although not all cases were medically confirmed as related to water contamination.