Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday to meet tribal families who have lost children amid concerns over illness, malnutrition and limited access to basic healthcare.
Before travelling to the district, Gandhi said he wanted to stand with the affected families and convey that they were not alone in their grief. He alleged that the deaths were linked to illness and neglect by the BJP government.
Gandhi also highlighted the concerns of tribal families affected by the Ken-Betwa project. He alleged that several villages were being submerged without proper rehabilitation or compensation, while the affected communities faced harassment, state repression and violence.
The Congress leader further referred to issues raised by tribal students during his recent “Chhatron ki Goonj” programme in Indore. The concerns included shortcomings in schools, colleges, hostels and food facilities, as well as alleged examination irregularities and questions relating to reservation rights.
Gandhi described these issues as evidence of what he called a “BJP-RSS mindset” towards tribal communities. He said supporting tribal people in their struggles and amplifying their concerns was his responsibility.
His visit takes place amid a political dispute over the reported deaths of more than 30 tribal children in tribal-dominated areas of Balaghat. The precise number of deaths and the medical circumstances involved remain subject to changing official assessments.
An investigation led by the Centre has pointed to several health conditions, including measles, malaria, co-infections, respiratory distress, dehydration, malnutrition, anaemia and shock, rather than one single disease or pathogen.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought documents and a response from the state government in a petition related to the deaths.
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jeetu Patwari also referred to the Congress leadership’s longstanding engagement with tribal communities while speaking on the issue. He said the Gandhi family had consistently stood with tribal people and recalled the role of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in protecting their rights.
Patwari said the party’s approach reflected the same tradition and legacy, adding that tribal families had been given a place in society and that Rajiv Gandhi had defended and respected their rights while taking on the interests of the wealthy.
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