The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has strongly criticized the alleged closed-door meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) attended by top district and municipal officials in Indore during a severe water contamination crisis. SDPI National General Secretary P. Abdul Majid Faizi described it as “placing ideological loyalty above constitutional responsibility.”
According to the party, on January 7, 2026, Indore District Collector Shivam Verma and Mayor Pashyamitra Bhargav attended a meeting at the RSS office at a time when the city’s Baghirathpura area was facing a serious public health emergency due to contaminated water. SDPI claimed the incident exposes the “deep and troubling influence” of the RSS over the state administration in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh.
The party highlighted the gravity of the water crisis, reporting that at least eight deaths have been confirmed due to polluted municipal water. Compensation has reportedly been extended to 18 families, suggesting the actual toll could be higher. Over 446 residents were hospitalized, many of whom remain in critical condition. SDPI alleged that the tragedy was the result of administrative failures, including delayed detection of contamination, lack of coordination between the Indore Municipal Corporation and district authorities, and inadequate communication with the public.
Against this backdrop, SDPI raised serious concerns over the participation of senior civil and elected officials in the RSS meeting, arguing that such engagement cannot be treated as routine or symbolic during a public health emergency. The meeting reportedly discussed the causes of contamination, administrative lapses, and future strategies, undermining public trust in governance and administrative impartiality.
SDPI also reminded that although the BJP government removed restrictions in 2024 on government officials’ association with the RSS, such actions violate the spirit of the All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968, which require political neutrality and an unbiased administration. The party warned that such affiliations weaken constitutional values and secular governance.
BJP’s claim that it was “merely a courtesy call” was described by SDPI as insensitive and unacceptable toward affected residents. The party alleged that the ruling party appears more intent on protecting ideological interventions than ensuring accountability for administrative failures.
SDPI has demanded an immediate independent investigation into the RSS meeting, strict accountability for those responsible for the water contamination crisis, and adequate compensation for all affected families. The party reaffirmed its commitment to standing firmly with the people of Indore, emphasizing that no ideology can be placed above human lives and democratic principles.
