Balaghat: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district on Thursday, October 1. He will travel to Jagla village in the Baihar area and meet families who have lost their children in recent months.
More than 30 tribal children have reportedly died in parts of Balaghat since June, particularly in remote Baiga-dominated areas. Health investigations have raised concerns over measles, malaria, malnutrition, anaemia and other health conditions. Investigations, however, have not established a single cause for all the reported deaths.
Gandhi’s visit has also triggered a political exchange in Madhya Pradesh. Congress leaders say he will meet affected families, understand the ground situation and hear their concerns regarding healthcare and government services. BJP leaders, meanwhile, have described the visit as an attempt to gain political mileage. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla has also made a similar criticism.
Scheduled Tribes accounted for about 21% of Madhya Pradesh’s population according to the 2011 Census. The state Assembly has 47 seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
The state government has announced measures to strengthen healthcare services in Balaghat, including the deployment of medical officers and expansion of health facilities.
