Rahul Gandhi to meet tribal families in Balaghat over child deaths, says he is with them in their grief

In a post on X ahead of his visit, Gandhi said, "I am coming to Balaghat today. To meet those tribal families who have lost their innocent children due to illness and the neglect of the BJP government. By spending time with them, I want to tell them that they are not alone in this griefI am with them."

Gandhi also raised the issue of tribal families affected by the Ken-Betwa project, alleging that villages are being submerged without adequate rehabilitation or compensation.

"A few days ago, I also met the tribal brothers and sisters from the Ken-Betwa movement. Today, their villages are submerging because of the project, but from the government, they have received neither rehabilitation nor compensationonly harassment, state repression, and violence," he said.

He further referred to concerns raised by tribal students during his recent "Chhatron ki Goonj" programme in Indore, alleging deficiencies in schools, colleges, hostels and food facilities, along with concerns over examination irregularities and reservation rights.

These concerns, Gandhi alleged, reflect what he described as a "BJP-RSS mindset" towards tribal communities.

"I assure my tribal brothers and sisters that I stand with you in every struggleamplifying your voice is my responsibility, and I will make this deaf government hear it with full force," Gandhi said.

Gandhi's visit comes amid a political row over the reported deaths of more than 30 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.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has also sought documents and a response from the state government in connection with a petition concerning the deaths.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jeetu Patwari also invoked the Congress leadership's history of engagement with tribal communities while speaking about the issue.

"The Gandhi family has always stood firm."

"We give tribal families a place in our society, just like our grandmother did. Late Rajiv Gandhi ji never fell short of giving tribals their rights. He fought against the rich, but he always protected and respected them. Today, it's the same tradition, the same legacy," Patwari said. (ANI)