India, Aug. 25 -- The Congress on Monday, Aug 24 demanded an independent inquiry into the deaths of tribal children in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra with Adivasi Congress chairman Vikrant Bhuria alleging administrative failure on nutrition, healthcare and hostel safety in both BJP-ruled states.

The Madhya Pradesh toll dispute

Addressing a press conference, Bhuria claimed 22 Baiga tribal children died from malnutrition-related illness in Balaghat's Birsa block, against the state's official count of eight attributed to a seasonal malaria/measles outbreak since late June. LoP Umang Singhar separately puts the toll at 19. The gap remains unverified and isnt new: Congress had already put the toll at nine in mid-August, when the health depar...