Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's 'Conspiracy' Claim On Bridge Collapses In Bihar, Questions 'Sudden' Incidents After LS Polls

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi alleged conspiracy behind Bihar's bridge collapses citing substandard materials used by contractors.

File photo of Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.

Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi alleged on Saturday that there might be a conspiracy behind the bridge collapse incidents in Bihar to malign the BJP-led government in the state. A total of five bridges, consisting big and small, have collapsed across the state in just over a week. One incident each was reported from the Araria, Siwan, East Champaran, Kishanganj, and Madhubani districts.

The latest incident occurred in the Bheja police station area of Madhubani district which is situated in the state's northern extreme, along the borders with Nepal.

Incidents Of Bridge Collapse Matter Of Concern: Manjhi

"Why has the state suddenly started witnessing incidents of bridge collapse? Why is it happening after the Lok Sabha polls? Why were such incidents not taking place a month before? I suspect some conspiracy behind it. Authorities concerned must look into this aspect," PTI quoted Manjhi as saying. 

"There might be some conspiracy to defame the state government," he claimed. However, he stated that the incidents of bridge collapse were a matter of concern.

"It is happening because of the sub-standard material being used by contractors. The state government is taking action against such contractors. The state authorities are probing the matter as well. I also request them to probe the conspiracy angle," highlighted the minister for MSMEs. 

Tejashwi Criticises 'Double Engine' Bihar Govt Over Bridge Collapse

Yesterday, Leader of the opposition in the state assembly Tejashwi Yadav shared the video on his social media handle X, lashing out at the Nitish Kumar government. "Another bridge has collapsed in Bihar. Did you get to know? If not, guess why," said the RJD leader.

𝟗 दिन के अंदर बिहार में यह 𝟓वाँ पुल गिरा है।

मधुबनी-सुपौल के बीच भूतही नदी पर वर्षों से निर्माणाधीन पुल गिरा। क्या आपको पता लगा? नहीं तो, क्यों? बूझो तो जाने? #Bihar #Bridge pic.twitter.com/IirnmOzRSo

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) June 28, 2024

In a dig at the 'double engine' government today, he remarked, "Congratulations! Due to the double power of the double-engine government in Bihar, only and only 𝟓 bridges have collapsed in just 𝟗 days. The double engine 𝐍𝐃𝐀 government of 𝟔 parties, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has sent auspicious and bright wishes of Mangalraj to the people of Bihar on the collapse of the 𝟓 bridges in 𝟗 day."

"The self-proclaimed honest people are calling the thousands of crores of rupees being lost by the public due to the collapse of bridges as 'courtesy' rather than 'corruption'," he added.

बधाई हो! बिहार में डबल इंजन सरकार की डबल ताकत से महज 𝟗 दिन में केवल और केवल मात्र 𝟓 पुल ही गिरे है।

प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी की रहनुमाई और मुख्यमंत्री नीतीश कुमार की अगुवाई में 𝟔 दलों वाली डबल इंजनधारी 𝐍𝐃𝐀 सरकार ने बिहारवासियों को 𝟗 दिन में 𝟓 पुल गिरने पर मंगलराज की… pic.twitter.com/Jj8cVPwKlY

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) June 29, 2024

"Why don't the truthful and incorruptible leaders, certified by the world champion Godi media as those who distribute orange certificates of corruption to the opposition and are number one in all the rankings of partisan journalism 𝟏 open their mouths on these good governance feats? Opposition leaders should resign after bridges are submerged in water," he further wrote.