Bihar BJP Leader Voices Fear After 10 Bridges Collapse in 15 Days

The remark by Dr. Nikhil Anand came at a time when the Nitish Kumar-led BJP-JDU government is facing criticism over the frequent collapse of bridges in Bihar. Dr. Anand expressed his fear of crossing flyovers or bridges in the state, highlighting the collapse of half a dozen bridges in the last 10 days. As a former journalist turned national general secretary of BJP’s OBC Morcha, Dr. Anand emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and audit of the collapsed bridges.

He urged for holding the construction company accountable and suggested blacklisting them. Additionally, Dr. Anand called for the engineers involved to be held responsible for the incidents. The collapse of ten bridges in the past 15 days, particularly in Siwan, Saran, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran, and Kishanganj districts, has raised concerns about the state’s public infrastructure.

The most recent incident occurred in Saran district, with no reported casualties but bringing attention to the quality of public infrastructure in Bihar. The opposition, including Tejaswi Yadav, has criticized the response of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the bridge collapses. The government has faced pressure to address the situation, prompting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to instruct the inspection of old bridges in need of urgent repair.

The Opposition RJD has accused the government of arrogance and lack of transparency by highlighting the absence of ministers at crucial meetings called to address the bridge collapse incidents.