Jaundice cases spark political row in Cuttack; MLA Sofia Firdous targets Mayor Subhash Singh

A political controversy has erupted in Cuttack after Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous accused Mayor Subhash Chandra Singh of failing to address rising jaundice cases in the city, alleging administrative lapses and lack of accountability.

Addressing the media, Firdous claimed that nearly 20 families in Cuttack are currently affected by jaundice and described the situation as a serious public health concern. She alleged that poor sanitation and mismanagement of civic infrastructure have contributed to the spread of the disease.

Allegations of Administrative Failure

The MLA alleged that drains in several parts of the city are not being cleaned regularly, leading to unhygienic conditions. She further claimed that contaminated drain water is mixing with drinking water pipelines, potentially triggering water-borne diseases such as jaundice.

“Twenty families are affected with jaundice in Cuttack. This is not the first instance. A similar infection was reported in Dewan Bazaar. A particular agency has been repeatedly awarded tenders for civic works to serve vested interests. The entire city is suffering as the Mayor is failing to discharge his duties,” Firdous alleged.

She also raised questions about the transparency of the tendering process, claiming that a specific agency has been repeatedly awarded civic contracts. She demanded accountability and called for greater scrutiny of municipal functioning.

Mayor Refutes Charges

Responding to the allegations, Mayor Subhash Chandra Singh rejected the claims and stated that necessary preventive measures have already been taken to address the health situation.

“All preventive measures have been taken. WATCO does not come under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). Despite this, we have instructed the agency to take necessary steps. We are not involved in the tendering process. If she is alleging irregularities, the matter can be investigated,” Singh said.

Public Health in Focus

The exchange has triggered a fresh political debate in the city at a time when concerns over sanitation and drinking water safety are mounting among residents.

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With allegations and counter-allegations flying between the two leaders, the focus has now shifted to the city’s civic infrastructure and the measures being taken to prevent further spread of water-borne diseases.

Health and municipal authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation as the political sparring continues.