According to Congress sources, Rahul Gandhi will begin his visit by meeting patients undergoing treatment at Bombay Hospital before proceeding to Bhagirathpura to console the families of the deceased. Security agencies carried out a route rehearsal late Friday night, as Gandhi is expected to walk through narrow lanes to reach some of the affected households after his convoy halts at a nearby junction.
He is scheduled to visit the homes of five families, starting with that of five-month-old Avyan, the youngest victim. He will also meet the families of Ashok Panwar and Geeta Bai Dhupekar, among others. Officials instructed the removal of posters along the route and imposed temporary traffic restrictions with barricades to ensure security and crowd control.
The district administration has granted a three-hour window for the visit. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari has been overseeing preparations, while senior leader Shobha Oza has been tasked with coordinating the programme. Congress leaders said 13 affected families have been identified so far, with the final list of five families to be met by Gandhi being finalised ahead of the visit. No formal welcome or public reception has been planned.
A meeting with Congress councillors is also on the agenda, during which water safety and governance issues will be discussed. Party sources said a team of experts will brief councillors on water management in Gandhi’s presence, as the Congress seeks to hold the Mohan Yadav-led state government accountable for the tragedy.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also stepped up activity in Bhagirathpura following confirmation of Gandhi’s visit. BJP workers were seen visiting affected homes, expressing solidarity with families. The area falls under the influence of senior minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who has closely monitored developments.
Vijayvargiya dismissed the Congress move, mocking plans for a one-day fast by Rahul Gandhi and party leaders over MNREGA issues. “At least one day the country’s food will be saved,” he remarked, while reiterating criticism of the Congress leadership during a separate press conference.
With national attention now on Bhagirathpura, Saturday’s visit is expected to sharpen the political battle over accountability, public health, and governance in Madhya Pradesh.
