Congress to launch mass movement in MP’s Balaghat over tribal children deaths

Balaghat, Sep 13 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh Congress will launch a mass movement on September 15 against the deaths of more than 30 tribal children in the Birsa region of Balaghat district.

State Congress President Jitu Patwari will lead a ‘Nyay Yatra’ (March for justice) from city’s Ambedkar Chowk to the district collector’s office after a public meeting.

The grand old party has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of apathy and a “step-motherly” attitude towards the tribal community.

In a post on its X account, the Madhya Pradesh Congress said that 30 tribal children had lost their lives due to illness and government neglect, snatching happiness from many families.

Congress Seva Dal members, accompanied by the party chief B. V. Srinivas, had visited the affected families and offered assistance.

The social media post emphasised that the Congress’ sole aim was to ensure no other child dies in such conditions.

Reacting to the situation, Jitu Patwari said on his X account that “ruthless and shameless regime” had become a habitual offender in cases of government-induced deaths.

He alleged that there was silence even over the deaths of innocent children and that the BJP government was nowhere to be seen while affected families remained in distress.

In contrast, Patwari claimed, the Congress’ commitment was clearly visible on the ground.

Political activity in the tribal-dominated Birsa development block has intensified following a recent visit by Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party.

The district Congress has stepped up preparations for Patwari’s visit.

A meeting of office-bearers and workers was held at the local Circuit House under District Congress President Sanjay Uike to finalise strategies for the mass movement and assign responsibilities.

According to the schedule, Patwari is expected to arrive in Gondia by the Gondwana Express around 10:30 a.m. and reach Balaghat by road by 11:30 a.m.

A massive public meeting is planned at 12 noon.

Issues to be raised include the children’s deaths due to infection, the alleged rice scam, the ‘double money’ scheme case, the alleged police assault on a pregnant woman, and the demand for paddy procurement at Rs 3,100 per quintal.

After the meeting, the “Nyay Yatra” will proceed to the district collector’s office, where a memorandum seeking justice for the victims will be submitted.

Patwari will also meet the families of the deceased children.

The District Congress has appealed to all frontal organisations and workers to participate in large numbers.

–IANS

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