Balaghat Children Deaths 'Complete Government Failure': Rahul Gandhi

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi visited Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, spending time with Baiga tribal families who have lost children. He termed the deaths—at least 44 tribal children in recent months from malaria, measles, malnutrition and other illnesses—as a "complete government failure" and said he would raise the issue in the Lok Sabha.

Gandhi accused both the central and state governments of abandoning tribals, citing gaps in healthcare, education, employment, land rights, MGNREGA and Forest Rights Act implementation. He said the Congress would address these issues once in power and urged the government to provide educational facilities, hospitals and ensure tribals receive their due rights.