Rahul Gandhi Targets BJP Over Balaghat Child Deaths, Raises Concerns Over Tribal Healthcare and Welfare

October 1, 2026

Balaghat: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised the BJP governments at the Centre and in Madhya Pradesh over the deaths of tribal children in Balaghat and raised concerns about healthcare, nutrition, education, employment and land rights in the affected areas.

Gandhi made the remarks after meeting Baiga tribal families in Jagla village of Birsa block who had lost children amid reports of illness and malnutrition. He alleged that affected families were still awaiting adequate compensation and that basic public services were not reaching tribal communities.

Rahul Gandhi Questions Government Response in Balaghat

Gandhi alleged that the deaths highlighted gaps in healthcare and welfare delivery in the tribal areas. He questioned the availability of schools, hospitals and employment opportunities and also raised concerns about the implementation of the MGNREGA and the Forest Rights Act.

He also alleged that some tribal women were not receiving the full benefits of the Ladli Behna Yojana when they were also covered under another government scheme.

Gandhi said tribal families should receive the benefits to which they are entitled under different welfare schemes.

Official Death Figure and Congress Claim Differ

The number of deaths in the affected tribal areas has become a point of dispute.

The administration has acknowledged 32 deaths, while Congress leaders have cited a higher figure, with some reports putting the Congress claim at more than 40 children. The causes of the deaths have also been examined by health authorities, with reports pointing to multiple health conditions rather than one single cause.

Gandhi alleged that many affected families had not received full compensation and questioned the government’s response to the situation.

Gandhi Meets Students During Balaghat Visit

During his visit, Gandhi travelled by road from Birsi Airport in Maharashtra to Jagla and stopped at Mate Government Primary School.

He interacted with students for around 15 minutes and asked about facilities, including the mid-day meal, according to the report.

Gandhi also reiterated his use of the term “Adivasi” for tribal communities and contrasted it with the term “Vanvasi”, which he said is used by the BJP and RSS.

The Congress leader said his party would support tribal communities on issues related to education, healthcare, employment and rights. These statements are part of the Congress’s political position on the issue.