By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari on Monday launched a scathing attack on the state government, holding it criminally negligent in connection with the deaths of children in Chhindwara, allegedly caused by consuming the toxic and counterfeit cough syrup Coldrif. Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters, Patwari said the tragedy reflects not only the failure of the health department but also the deep-rooted corruption plaguing the system.
Patwari revealed that 17 children have so far lost their lives, while several others remain on ventilators, fighting for survival. He questioned Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s visit to the victims’ families, asking, “What has been done to save the children still struggling for life? What effective steps have been taken?”
Criticising the removal of the district collector, Patwari called it a “diversionary tactic” to deflect public anger. “If the same collector had stayed, the situation could have been controlled sooner. Removing him serves no purpose except to cover up government failures,” he said.
The Congress chief demanded the resignation of Health Minister Rajendra Shukla, alleging that he was being protected because of his political ambitions. “Shukla dreams of becoming the next Chief Minister. That is why no action has been taken against him. Meanwhile, junior officers are made scapegoats,” he remarked.
Highlighting the recurring issue of fake medicines, Patwari claimed that the same pharmaceutical company, Sresan Pharmaceuticals, was involved in similar incidents earlier. “Fake drugs continue to be sold in Madhya Pradesh because food controllers receive hefty commissions. No medicine is approved without bribes,” he alleged.
Calling the Yadav government “crocodile-like—calm on the surface but dangerous within,” Patwari asserted that corruption had taken the lives of 25 children. The Congress has demanded:
1. Immediate suspension of the Health Minister, Commissioner, and Drug Controller.
2. A crackdown on counterfeit drug networks and the commission system.
3. ₹10 lakh compensation and free treatment for affected families.
Patwari announced that the Congress will hold statewide candle marches on 9 October to honour the victims and continue its agitation until the guilty are punished.
