New Delhi/Bhopal, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday raised concerns over the reported deaths of more than 30 tribal children in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district and questioned the state government’s response to the health crisis.
In a post on social media, Gandhi attributed the deaths to a combination of illness, malnutrition and inadequate access to basic healthcare facilities. He accused the Madhya Pradesh government of responding slowly to the situation and urged Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to examine the ground realities in the affected tribal areas.
Gandhi said disease, malnutrition, lack of clean drinking water and inadequate healthcare were putting children’s lives at risk. He also raised allegations concerning adulterated medicines and illicit liquor, while criticising the state government over its handling of education and other public issues.
The Congress leader further alleged that students, children, poor people, Dalits, tribal communities, backward classes and women were facing difficulties under the state government. He said he was travelling to Indore and gathering feedback from students, youth and other residents across Madhya Pradesh.
The remarks came amid continuing reports of child deaths and illness in tribal-dominated areas of Balaghat, particularly in and around Birsa and Baihar blocks, where Baiga and Gond communities reside.
Reports have put the number of deaths at more than 30, although figures and assessments regarding the exact toll and causes have varied. Recent reports have linked the health crisis to infectious diseases including measles and malaria, along with severe malnutrition, anaemia and limited access to healthcare.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has also sought a response from the state government in a public interest litigation concerning the deaths. Notices were issued to the Health Department, Women and Child Development Department and the Balaghat district administration. The petition has raised allegations regarding inadequate healthcare, nutrition and drinking water facilities in the affected areas.
Health authorities have undertaken screening and vaccination measures in the affected areas, while children requiring treatment have been hospitalised and severely malnourished children referred to nutrition rehabilitation centres. The precise causes behind the deaths remain subject to investigation and differing official and independent accounts.
Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah visited the affected district earlier this month. During the visit, he announced that Baiga families would be provided houses and said arrangements for proper healthcare would be strengthened.
The situation has drawn increasing political and public attention, with opposition parties demanding accountability and improved healthcare, nutrition and basic infrastructure in the remote tribal areas.
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