The Prime Minister is in the state. Inaugurating one industrial project after another. Vote ahead. A sudden disaster in this massive arrangement. At least 91 people, including 25 children, lost their lives when a cable bridge over the Machu River collapsed in Gujarat’s Moravi town on Sunday evening. After repairing this old bridge, it was opened to the public just four days ago. So, the question naturally arises whether there was a mistake in the repair. The Gujarat government is suddenly uncomfortable in the face of the vote.
Narendra Modi has repeatedly rushed to Gujarat in the last few months. He is inaugurating all industrial projects of huge amounts. He arrived in Gujarat on a three-day visit on Sunday as well. In the morning Tata’s Viman project was inaugurated in Baroda. The next two days were packed with programs. There were rumors in the political circles of Delhi that the date of the Gujarat polls will be announced only after Modi’s visit. There was a great fall in rhythm. Today the Prime Minister can go to the spot.
Statement from Congress
However, Modi is being chased on social media. Congress leaders tweeted a video of Modi’s speech. While in 2016 when the Posta flyover collapsed during the Bengal Assembly polls, Modi said, “This is God’s message. See in whose hands you have handed over the government! As the bridge collapsed, so will the government.” Incidentally, yesterday Modi himself had to witness the destruction of a bridge in poll-bound Gujarat. The Congress leadership recalled the words and said, “It is unthinkable to politicize an accident, to claim it as God’s will.” Veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh took a dig at yesterday’s incident, writing, “Act of God or fraud (corruption)?” Modi’s old speech aimed at Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She didn’t raise these topics. She only expressed her grief over yesterday’s incident.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened at 6.42 pm. This bridge in Moravi city, 200 km from Ahmedabad, belongs to the British period. It was built by the Moravian kings. It was recently repaired and reopened to the public on October 26, the Gujarati New Year’s Day. Repairing was managed by the Oreva Group owned by Jaysukhji Uddhavji Patel. Today is Chhat Puja. According to locals, around 500 people had gathered on the bridge for the previous evening’s puja activities.
The stance of the State Minister
State Minister for Home Affairs Harsh Sangvi, however, says that there were 150 people on the bridge. Under the pressure of the crowd, the bridge broke in the middle and fell into the river. According to the news received till midnight, 91 people including 25 children have died. Women and the elderly are also among the dead. It is feared that the death toll may increase. Because many people are still stuck in the river. 100 person have been rescued. 79 people are hospitalized. National Disaster Response Force, Navy, Air Force, State Disaster Management Office, and Fire Brigade have all rushed to the rescue. Several steamers have been brought from Rajkot and Cutch. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel over the phone.