Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has ordered an enquiry into the controversial blood donation camp on the birth anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
This follows allegations that several minors, studying in Class IX to XII, were forced to donate blood at a camp organised in Jaipur's Chomu town by the local Congress MLA and frontal organisations of the party's local unit.
Four students had fallen ill after donating blood at the camp, and one of them is now in a serious condition at Jaipur's SMS Hospital.
Fifteen-year-old Anil remains unconscious. Despite recently suffering from jaundice, he was taken from the government school in Chomu, and made to donate blood on Thursday. Ever since his condition is serious and his family is anxious.
"He suffered from high fever through the night. That's why we rushed him to hospital. Not a single leader has come to even see our child. They were so eager to take his blood but now who is bothered to help a poor child," said Anil's father Om Sharma.
Besides Anil's family, most people in Chomu are angry that Congress leaders staked children's health and took blood from even minors to push their political agenda.
"They exploited these children. They lured the minors through all kinds of promises of giving certificates. It's a terrible way of playing politics," said Shyam Lal, a Chomu resident.
The controversial blood donation camp on Rajiv Gandhi's Anniversary has pushed the Gehlot government to begin a probe on who victimised innocent minors.
"If these students were minors and their blood was taken without their parents' consent, it's really unfortunate. I assure you we will take action against the guilty," said Bina Kak, Child Welfare Minister, Rajasthan.
But the issue has also raked up a political row. And the BJP held a bandh in Chomu all through Saturday.
The attempt by Congress leaders from Chomu to please their political bosses through the blood donation camp has now embarrassed the entire party. Despite the government enquiry, the big question is will the Congress party itself penalise its offending leaders.