Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Rahul Gandhi Targets Madhya Pradesh Government Over Balaghat Deaths
More than 30 tribal children reportedly died in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh.
Rahul Gandhi said illness, poor nutrition and a lack of basic healthcare may have contributed to the deaths.
He also raised concerns about clean drinking water and disease control.
Gandhi strongly criticised Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the state government.
He called the government corrupt and incompetent.
The Congress asked Health Minister Rajendra Shukla to resign.
A petition before the Madhya Pradesh High Court alleged that a hospital was treating far more children than its bed capacity.
The court asked government departments and local officials to respond to these allegations.
Rahul Gandhi accused the Madhya Pradesh government of failing tribal children after more than 30 reportedly died in Balaghat district.
Gandhi attributed the deaths to illness, malnutrition, weak disease control, unsafe water and inadequate healthcare.
He called the state government India’s most corrupt and incompetent and criticised Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
The Congress demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court sought responses after a petition alleged overcrowded treatment, yellow handpump water and delayed nutritious food.
- Who
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Madhya Pradesh government, tribal children in Balaghat, and state officials named in a court petition.
- What
- Gandhi criticised the government after reports that more than 30 tribal children died amid illness, malnutrition and inadequate health facilities.
- When
- Gandhi made the criticism on Thursday; the High Court sought responses the previous week. The articles identify the X post date as September 17, 2026.
- Where
- Balaghat district and other parts of Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Why
- Gandhi alleged that poor disease control, nutrition, clean water and healthcare contributed to the deaths; the court case concerns related treatment and welfare allegations.
- Reported deaths
- More than 30 tribal children reportedly died in Balaghat district.
- Rahul Gandhi’s accusation
- He called the Madhya Pradesh government India’s most corrupt and incompetent government.
- Health concerns
- The allegations include illness, malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, weak disease control and insufficient clean water.
- Hospital capacity claim
- A petition alleged that around 400 children were being treated at a hospital with capacity for 50 beds.
- Water allegation
- The petition alleged that yellow-coloured water was coming from handpumps in affected areas.
- Nutrition allegation
- The petition alleged that children and women had not received nutritious food on time for several months.
- Court action
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court issued notices to the Health Department, Women and Child Development Department, the Balaghat collector and others.
