Congress Alleges Cholera Crisis in Indore, Questions WHO Notification as Death Toll Rises

Bhopal, Jan 2026 : The Congress on Wednesday asserted that the public health crisis triggered by contaminated drinking water in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area continues unabated, following reports of yet another death. The party questioned whether the Madhya Pradesh government has informed the World Health Organisation (WHO) as required under international health protocols, claiming that cholera bacteria have allegedly been confirmed in the affected area.

Addressing a press conference, Congress media cell chief and former minister Mukesh Nayak said the situation reflects “criminal negligence” on the part of the BJP-led state government. He claimed that 20 innocent lives have been lost so far and more than 1,000 people have been severely affected due to the consumption of contaminated water in Bhagirathpura and nearby localities.

Nayak accused the government of downplaying the severity of the crisis and suppressing the actual number of deaths. He also alleged insensitivity in the administration’s response, stating that despite Indore being under the direct charge of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, compensation has been paid to only four affected families, with each receiving ₹2 lakh.

Referring to visits by state Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar to the affected areas, Nayak said families expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives and the lack of adequate medical and financial support.

“With cholera bacteria reportedly confirmed, has the state government informed the World Health Organisation as per international protocols?” Nayak asked, seeking immediate clarification from both the state and central health authorities. He cited the International Health Regulations (IHR), which mandate reporting of events with potential international public health implications through the National IHR Focal Point.

Listing the party’s demands, Nayak called for the registration of an FIR and dismissal of the Indore Mayor, the resignation of senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, and ₹1 crore compensation for each deceased family. To press these demands, the Congress has announced a state-level ‘Justice March’ on January 11, starting at 11 a.m. from Bada Ganpati Temple to the Ahilyabai statue at Rajwada Chowk in Indore.

He said thousands of Congress leaders and workers are expected to participate in the march and vowed that the party would continue its agitation until justice is delivered to the victims.

Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, while addressing a press conference, said the government was focusing on humanitarian assistance rather than debating numbers. “We are not going into the number of deaths but value each and every life,” he said, assuring support to all affected families.

The outbreak, which began in late December 2025, has been attributed to sewage mixing with drinking water due to a pipeline leak near a police outpost. Officials have confirmed bacterial contamination, leading to hundreds being hospitalised and thousands screened in low-income neighbourhoods.

Authorities have suspended some officials, deployed water tankers, and initiated pipeline repairs. However, residents continue to report foul-smelling tap water. Door-to-door health surveys are ongoing, with mild cases being treated on the spot as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.

Team Maverick