Bhopal, Oct 14 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to appoint Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Rohit Sisodia as Raisen Collector, months after suspending him over alleged administrative lapses during the Indore water contamination tragedy that claimed 36 lives, has triggered a political row, with the Congress questioning the move.
The appointment was part of a major administrative reshuffle carried out by the state government late Tuesday night, involving transfers and new assignments for more than 23 IAS officers.
Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari on Wednesday questioned Sisodia’s appointment, saying the families affected by the Bhagirathpura tragedy were still waiting for justice and action against those responsible.
In a post on social media platform X, Patwari questioned what action had been taken on the inquiry commission’s report and what considerations had led to Sisodia’s appointment as Raisen Collector.
He also alleged that political connections and favouritism were taking precedence over accountability in administrative postings.
“Has the transfer industry now turned into a transfer factory?” he asked, demanding that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav make the inquiry report public and ensure action against those responsible.
Sisodia was then serving as Additional Commissioner of the Indore Municipal Corporation when the Bhagirathpura water contamination tragedy occurred.
He was suspended on January 1 over alleged administrative lapses in connection with the incident.
Announcing the suspension, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had then described it as a stern action by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government.
At a press conference, he had also claimed that it was the first time an IAS officer had been suspended in Madhya Pradesh.
Sisodia’s appointment as Raisen Collector has now raised questions from the Opposition over the state government’s decision to entrust him with a key administrative responsibility after taking such a strong position following the tragedy.
The Bhagirathpura incident, involving the supply of contaminated drinking water, claimed 36 lives and triggered questions over drinking water safety and the functioning of the civic administration.
The reshuffle also included changes in the postings of Collectors in Jabalpur, Narmadapuram, Bhind, Panna, Shajapur, Burhanpur, Harda, Balaghat and Singrauli, along with new responsibilities for several senior officers at the State Secretariat.
–IANS
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