Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 1 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that tribal communities in Balaghat were facing a lack of healthcare, education and employment opportunities, and accused the Madhya Pradesh government of failing to fulfil its responsibilities.
The Congress leader said several children had died due to illness and malnutrition and alleged that government support in healthcare, education and employment was “completely absent” in the area.
He also called for better healthcare and educational facilities for the tribal population.
Addressing the press conference in Balaghat, Congress MP said, “Many children here have died due to illness and malnutrition. Furthermore, the support the government ought to provide, whether regarding healthcare, education, or employment, is completely absent here. It feels as though they have been abandoned in the heart of India, as if neither the central government nor the Madhya Pradesh government exists for them. There are unresolved issues concerning their land, MGNREGA, the Forest Rights Act, and land rights; yet, no support is being provided. I urge the government to fulfill its responsibilities.”
“You must also provide the hospitals and schools these people deserve. I do not know what world you are living in. You talk about ‘development’ around the clock, even while corruption runs rampant 24/7; yet, when our tribal brothers and sisters are in need, you are nowhere to be found. On behalf of the Opposition and the Congress Party, I want to send this message: do your job. Provide educational facilities and hospitals here, and ensure these people receive what is rightfully theirs…We have assured them that as soon as our government comes to power, we will assist them,” he further said.
He alleged that the situation amounted to a complete government failure in Madhya Pradesh and said he would raise the issue in Parliament.
“This is a complete government failure in Madhya Pradesh. Wherever you go, you see it; it is a total, 100 per cent government failure. I will raise this issue in the Lok Sabha. I will raise in the Lok Sabha not just their case, but the issue of what is being done to all the tribals across the country,” the Congress leader said.
The visit comes after reports of more than 30 deaths among tribal children in Balaghat’s tribal-dominated areas. The exact toll and medical circumstances surrounding the deaths have been subject to evolving official assessments.
A Centre-led investigation has reportedly identified multiple health conditions, including measles, malaria, co-infections, respiratory distress, dehydration, malnutrition, anaemia and shock, rather than a single disease or pathogen. (ANI)
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