SDPI Condemns RSS Interference Amid Indore Water Contamination Crisis

P Abdul Majeed Faizy, National General Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of India, strongly condemns the conduct of Indore District Collector Shivam Verma and Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav for attending a closed door meeting at the RSS office on January 7, 2026, at a time when the city was grappling with a grave water contamination crisis in Bhagirathpura. This incident exposes the deep and troubling influence of the RSS over state administration in BJP ruled Madhya Pradesh, where ideological allegiance appears to be given precedence over public welfare and constitutional responsibility.

The scale of the crisis is alarming. Contaminated municipal water has resulted in at least eight confirmed deaths, while compensation has reportedly been extended to 18 families, indicating that the actual toll may be higher. More than 446 residents were hospitalized, with several still undergoing treatment, including patients in critical condition. The tragedy is the outcome of systemic administrative failures, including delayed detection of contamination, lack of coordination between the Indore Municipal Corporation and district authorities, and inadequate communication with the public.

In this backdrop, the participation of senior civil and elected officials in a lengthy meeting at an RSS office raises serious questions. The meeting, reportedly chaired by senior RSS functionaries, is said to have discussed the causes of the contamination, administrative lapses, and future strategies. Such an interaction during a public health emergency cannot be brushed aside as a routine or symbolic engagement. It further damages Indore’s public image and erodes confidence in the neutrality of governance.

Although the BJP government removed restrictions in 2024 allowing civil servants to associate with the RSS, such actions undermine the spirit of the All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968, which require political neutrality and impartial administration. These associations weaken constitutional values, compromise secular governance, and risk turning public institutions into extensions of a partisan ideological organisation.

The BJP’s claim that this was merely a courtesy call is unconvincing and insensitive to the suffering of affected residents. Instead of ensuring accountability to the people and the law, the ruling party appears intent on shielding ideological interference while ignoring administrative failures.

The SDPI demands an immediate independent inquiry into the meeting, strict accountability for the water contamination crisis, and adequate compensation for all affected families. The party stands firmly with the people of Indore and reiterates that no ideology can be placed above human lives and democratic principles.