A tragic incident in Gujarat’s Vadodara district has sparked sharp political reactions after a section of the Gambhira bridge collapsed on Wednesday morning, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar river. The accident claimed 10 lives and left many injured.
The bridge, constructed in 1985, served as a key connection between Vadodara and Anand districts, carrying traffic from the entire Saurashtra region. Following the collapse, opposition leaders, especially from the Congress, have launched a direct attack on the BJP-led Gujarat government, accusing it of negligence and widespread corruption under the so-called ‘Gujarat Model’.
In a statement on social media, the Congress expressed deep condolences to the families affected by the accident. The party wrote, “The Gambhira bridge collapsed in the middle, causing several vehicles to fall into the river. This incident exposes the massive corruption behind the glorified Gujarat Model. We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Congress Legislative Party leader Amit Chavda criticized the government for ignoring repeated warnings about the bridge’s poor condition. “This bridge is vital for traffic between Anand and Vadodara. Locals and leaders had written to the government asking for repairs, but no action was taken. The collapse is a direct result of government negligence,” Chavda said. He also demanded an official probe, urgent rescue operations, alternative routes, and a statewide audit of all bridges to ensure their safety.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate echoed similar sentiments, calling the tragedy a reflection of the “hollow Gujarat Model” which she described as “another name for corruption.” She conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and demanded accountability from the ruling government.
On the government’s part, Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel confirmed the collapse and said that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a detailed investigation by technical experts. According to officials, the 900-meter-long bridge with 23 pillars will be thoroughly examined to identify the cause of the structural failure.
