Rahul enters campaign fray in Guj, says BJP protecting Morbi culprits
AHMEDABAD/SURAT: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to protect the “real culprits” behind the Morbi bridge collapse, which killed 135 people, as he hit the campaign trail in Gujarat 10 days ahead of the first phase of assembly elections.
The Congress leader also alleged that the BJP was drawing up plans to displace adivasis (tribals) by handing over forests to industrialists.
Elections to the 182-member state assembly will be held in two phases on December 1 and 5. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 8.
Taking a break from the 3,570km cross-country Bharat Jodo Yatra, currently passing through Maharashtra, Gandhi travelled to Gujarat to address two election rallies in Gujarat’s
Rajkot and Surat.
In Rajkot, Gandhi said the “real culprits” behind the collapse of a suspension bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi town on October 30 were being protected as they share “good relations with the BJP”.
“The question arises that those who were responsible for the tragedy, no action was being taken against them... They (company owners) have good relations with the BJP and therefore, real culprits are being protected...”
Gandhi’s remarks came on the day the Supreme Court called
the collapse an “enormous tragedy” and asked the Gujarat high court to ensure that the investigation fixes accountability of those guilty of criminal negligence.
During the rally, Rahul Gandhi also spoke about unemployment.