Blame game in Bengal over Kolkata bridge collapse

Opposition parties in West Bengal Tuesday alleged that the Trinamool Congress-led government's "callousness towards the repair of old bridges" was the main reason behind the collapse of a portion of the Majerhat bridge.

Governor K N Tripathi, who visited the site, described it as "a big disaster".

"I have come to see the rescue work. It is a big disaster. I heard that maintenance of the bridge is entrusted with the PWD and the railways. The matter required to be enquired," he told reporters.

The over 50-year-old bridge in south Kolkata caved in around 4.45 pm during rush hour claiming one life, trapping several people and crushing many vehicles.

 

BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha blamed the state government for its alleged negligence in maintaining bridges in the state and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.

"We demand a judicial inquiry into the incident and resignation of the CM and minister of the concerned department responsible for maintaining the bridge," he said.

Senior BJP leader Mukul Roy said, "It is really unfortunate that the bridge has collapsed. But the fact is the state government is solely responsible for the bridge collapse. The issue of repair of the old bridges is not at all in the agenda of TMC government."

State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury demanded an "answer" from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Public Works Department Minister Firhad Hakim.

"Earlier in 2016, we had witnessed a bridge collapse (at Burrabazar). This incident proves that the state government is yet to learn its lessons. The state government should give an answer," he said.

Reacting to the allegations, Hakim said this was not the appropriate time to indulge in "politics over the incident".

The chief minister who is on a visit to Darjeeling now has ordered a probe to be conducted by Chief Secretary Malay Dey.

Banerjee also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.