In the state election next month, the BJP has fielded a former MLA who reportedly saved lives after the deadly bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Morbi.
60-year-old Kantilal Amrutiya, is the BJP’s Morbi candidate. Brijesh Merja, the current Morbi MLA, has been dropped.
Mr Amrutiya was seen in videos wearing a life tube and attempting to rescue people who fell into the river after the century-old bridge’s cables snapped on October 30.
According to various reports, he “jumped into the river to save lives.” According to sources, the act earned him a BJP “ticket” to run in the Gujarat election from the Morbi constituency.
According to the sources, Mr Amrutiya was not on the BJP’s initial list of Gujarat candidates.
The bridge disaster, one of the worst in recent memory, killed 135 people.
The BJP, which has ruled Gujarat for 22 years and is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state, has faced a massive backlash over the way the bridge maintenance contract was awarded to a Gujarat-based clockmaker, Oreva.
Despite its lack of experience in repairing public infrastructure, Oreva, known for producing clocks, watches, fans, e-bikes, and LED lights, was awarded a 15-year contract to operate and maintain the bridge.
The British-era bridge reopened ahead of schedule after nearly seven months of renovation, and tickets cost 17 pounds. According to investigations, the structure collapsed under the weight of nearly 500 people. Despite the fact that the flooring was newer and heavier, the old rusty cables were not replaced.
Nine people have been arrested, including company officials, ticket sellers, and security guards, but Oreva’s top executives are still missing.
Gujarat will vote on December 1 and 5, with the results announced on December 8.
