BJP MP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya during the altercation. (Image: Screemgrab)
Madhya Pradesh minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kailash Vijayvargiya had to eat humble pie and apologise after verbally clashing with a journalist over deaths caused by contaminated water in Indore. In a video posted by NDTV journalist Anurag Dwary, the minister curtly responds with the word “ghanta” (useless) after being pressed over the issue.
The video was posed on Dwary’s X handle on December 31, which has since gained thousands of views. The matter pertains to the death of about eight people in the area of Bhagairathpura due to contaminated water. Dwary in public asked Vijayvargiya about still not getting drinking water, to which the minister responds saying, “Chodo yaar, phokat prashn mat puchiye, (leave it, don’t ask useless questions.”
After fumbling for a few words, the BJP minister then says “ghanta hogaya kya abhi”, to which Dwary takes offence and tells the minister to speak properly. “Kailash ji baat theek se kijiye. ..Ye kya shabd hota hai. Itse senior mantri hai baat karne ki tameez nahi hai,” the NDTV reporter then tells Vijayvargiya. The entire exchange lasts less than 15 seconds, but has since become a talking point on social media as many praised the reporter for holding his ground.
At a time when many ministers across the country have some impunity when it comes to taking accountability, this was a rare occasion. Eventually after the incident, the BJP minister took to X and apologised for his comments.
“My team and I have been continuously working to improve the situation in the affected area without sleep for the past two days. My people are suffering from contaminated water, and some have left us; in this state of deep sorrow, my words came out wrong in response to a media question. For this, I express my regret. But until my people are completely safe and healthy, I will not sit quietly,” he said (originally posted in Hindi).
The case came to light on December 29, when the father of a six-month-old baby alleged his son died due to vomiting and diarrhoea after drinking contaminated water in Indore’s Bhagirthpura area.
The following day, several local news outlets reported eight deaths and over 200 patients admitted to different hospitals.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared the incident an “emergency-like situation” and assured strict action against those responsible. Speaking to reporters after a high-level review meeting, he said that the health of around 40,000 people in Bhagirthpura was screened, during which 2,456 suspected cases of vomiting and diarrhoea were identified. “Based on the preliminary inquiry, action has been taken against some municipal corporation officials. Further steps will be taken based on the detailed investigation report,” the chief minister said.
(With PTI inputs)
This post was last modified on January 1, 2026 4:35 pm