Ujjain SDM Suspended over Order Referencing Minister’s Controversial Remarks amid Water Contamination Crisis
A Ujjain Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has been suspended following the issuance of an order that referenced controversial comments made by Madhya Pradesh’s State Urban Development and Housing Minister, Kailash Vijayvargiya, in the wake of deaths linked to water contamination in Indore. The order, issued during heightened tensions surrounding protests organized by the Congress party, drew criticism for its assertions and procedural irregularities.
The suspension of Anand Malviya came after the Divisional Commissioner of the Ujjain Division deemed his actions a case of “serious negligence and irregularity in the discharge of official duties.” The initial order, intended to provide directions on law and order related to the protests, took an unexpected turn by directly addressing the unfolding public health crisis and political fallout.
According to the suspended order, at least 14 people died and 2,800 were undergoing treatment due to consumption of “contaminated and dirty water supplied by the BJP-run municipal corporation” in Indore. This direct attribution of duty sparked immediate controversy.
The order further described Vijayvargiya’s remarks on the issue as “inhuman and a symbol of authoritarian behavior,” specifically objecting to his use of the word “ghanta” – a colloquial Hindi term often considered dismissive – on such a sensitive matter. “On this sensitive issue, the objectionable remark made by a state government minister, the use of the word ‘ghanta’ is a sign of inhuman and authoritarian behaviour,” the notice read.It also indicated planned protests, stating that the Congress State President, Jitu Patwari, had called for the gherao (surrounding) of BJP mps and MLAs.
Why did this happen? Anand Malviya was suspended due to a highly critical order he issued that linked deaths from water contamination in Indore to the BJP-run municipal corporation and criticized a state minister’s insensitive remarks. The order was deemed procedurally flawed and factually inaccurate by higher authorities.
Following the issuance of the order on january 3rd, a proposal for Malviya’s suspension was received from the Collector’s office in Dewas on January 4th. The proposal highlighted the order’s procedural flaws and factual inaccuracies. “The said order was issued without examination and on an extremely sensitive and serious issue, using incorrect figures,” the order noted, adding that this demonstrated “grave negligence, indifference, and irregularity in the discharge of official duties.”
Who was involved? Key figures include Anand Malviya (suspended SDM), Kailash Vijayvargiya (Madhya Pradesh Minister), Jitu Patwari (Congress State President), and the Divisional Commissioner of Ujjain Division who ordered the suspension. The incident also impacts the residents of Indore affected by the water contamination.
Malviya, when contacted, explained that portions of the order were inadvertently copied from a WhatsApp group associated with the Congress party. “The order contains portions lifted from a WhatsApp group of the Congress party calling for a protest; the reader had lifted the portions,” he stated. He also acknowledged that the health data included in the order was sourced from official channels but conceded errors were present, leading to a rescinded and revised version. Though, he noted that the original order had been circulated online despite his efforts to correct it.
What exactly was in the order? The order directly blamed the BJP-run Indore municipal corporation for the deaths and illnesses caused by contaminated water. It also condemned Minister Vijayvargiya’s use of the word “ghanta” as insensitive and authoritarian. It also detailed planned Congress protests.
The Commissioner’s suspension order, issued on January 5th, cited violations of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules,
