RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Bihar government following a series of bridge collapses across the state. Addressing the media, Tejashwi Yadav criticized the Nitish Kumar-led administration, attributing the incidents to what he sarcastically termed as “Mangalraj” under the “double engine” NDA government.
In the latest incident, an under-construction bridge in Madhubani district’s Jhanjharpur collapsed, marking the fifth such collapse in just 11 days. This 77-meter-long bridge, part of the Prime Minister’s Rural Road Scheme, had been under construction for two years with an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore.
Tejashwi Yadav mocked the government’s claims of good governance, highlighting the financial losses and questioning the quality of construction materials used. He suggested that responsible officials should resign in the aftermath of such failures.
The series of collapses began with a bridge over the Bakra River in Araria collapsing on June 18, followed by a four-decade-old bridge over the Gandak River in Siwan on June 22. Subsequently, a bridge under construction in East Champaran collapsed on June 23, with locals alleging substandard materials.
The most recent incident occurred on June 27, when a bridge connecting the Kankai and Mahananda rivers in Kishanganj gave way, further intensifying concerns over infrastructure safety in Bihar.
In response to mounting criticism, Bihar’s rural works department has initiated a comprehensive review of all bridges and culverts across the state. Officials have been tasked with submitting a detailed report within a week to address construction standards and oversight issues.
The frequent collapses have triggered calls from opposition leaders for a thorough investigation and accountability measures against those responsible for the infrastructure failures.
