📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
In the wake of a spate of bridge collapses in Bihar, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has raised allegations of a possible conspiracy behind the incidents. Manjhi, who heads the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and serves as the Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), expressed concern over the sudden surge in bridge collapses across the state. He questioned the timing of these incidents, pointing out that they started occurring after the Lok Sabha elections, raising suspicions of foul play. The minister highlighted that there were no such incidents reported earlier, leading to his speculation of a deliberate attempt to tarnish the state government’s image. Manjhi emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to probe the underlying causes of the bridge collapses. He attributed the collapses to the use of substandard materials by contractors and assured that stringent actions would be taken against those responsible for the compromised construction. Moreover, he assured that both state and central authorities are actively monitoring the situation and are committed to holding accountable any individuals found guilty of wrongdoing. The opposition in Bihar, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, has been critical of the Nitish Kumar government following the recent bridge collapses, further escalating the political discourse surrounding the incidents. With a total of five bridges collapsing within a span of nine days in various districts like Araria, Siwan, East Champaran, Kishanganj, and Madhubani, the state has been grappling with the aftermath of these structural failures. The collapses have not only isolated communities but also raised significant concerns about the standards of infrastructure maintenance and construction in the region. As investigations continue into the collapses, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and structural integrity of bridges and other infrastructure projects across Bihar.
