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Uma Bharti said that the deaths caused by the consumption of contaminated water by the end of 2025 had “disgraced our state, our government and our entire system.”
Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Uma Bharti (File photo/PTI)
Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Uma Bharti, on Friday, January 2, took aim at the party-led Madhya Pradesh government over the water contamination-related deaths in Indore, calling the incident a “shame” for the state. She also termed the situation a crucial test of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s leadership.
In a series of posts on ‘X’, Bharti said that the deaths caused by the consumption of contaminated water by the end of 2025 had “disgraced our state, our government and our entire system.”
The BJP leader also highlighted Indore’s ranking as the cleanest city in Madhya Pradesh, stating that “such ugly, filthy and poisoned water” had claimed lives and continued to sicken residents.
1. साल 2025 के अंत में इंदौर में गंदे पानी पीने से हुई मौतें हमारा प्रदेश, हमारी सरकार और हमारी पूरी व्यवस्था को शर्मिंदा और कलंकित कर गईं।2. प्रदेश के सबसे स्वच्छ शहर का अवार्ड प्राप्त करने वाले नगर में इतनी बदसूरती, गंदगी, जहर मिला पानी जो कितनी जिंदगियों को निगल गया और…— Uma Bharti (@umasribharti) January 2, 2026
“The price of life is not Rs 2 lakh. Families remain immersed in grief for a lifetime,” Bharti said. She also demanded a public apology to the affected people and “maximum punishment” for those responsible.
“This is a testing time for Chief Minister Mohan Yadav”, Bharti added.
In another post, Bharti questioned the handling of the matter by the concerned authorities. She asked why those in charge continued to drink “Bisleri water” while remaining in office, if the government’s response plan didn’t work out.
1. इंदौर दूषित पानी के मामले में यह कौन कह रहा है कि हमारी चली नहीं।2. जब आपकी नहीं चली तो आप पद पर बैठे हुए बिसलेरी का पानी क्यों पीते रहे? पद छोड़कर जनता के बीच क्यों नहीं पहुंचे?3. ऐसे पापों का कोई स्पष्टीकरण नहीं होता या तो प्रायश्चित या दंड!— Uma Bharti (@umasribharti) January 2, 2026
“Why didn’t you go visit the public?” she asked, adding, “There is no explanation for such sins—either atonement or punishment”.
Indore water contamination crisis
Uma Bharti’s remarks come amid a diarrhoea outbreak in Indore, which has so far claimed 10 lives, with around 1,400 people falling sick.
According to the officials, only four deaths are directly linked to the consumption of contaminated water, with Bhagirathpura being its epicentre. Officials have confirmed that drinking water samples from the region were found to be contaminated due to a leak in a main supply pipeline.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of each deceased. He has also directed officials to ensure free and fair treatment to those affected by the outbreak.
Meanwhile, repairs have been carried out on the damaged pipeline, and the water supply has been restored. However, residents have been advised to boil water before drinking as a precautionary measure.
Indore, India, India
January 02, 2026, 14:51 IST
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