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Morbi Bridge Collapse: Civic body takes responsibility for the loss of 135 lives

The civic body was reprimanded by the High Court on Wednesday for taking too long to file an affidavit explaining how the collapse happened despite receiving two notices.

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Gujarat Morbi Bridge Collapse

The civic body of Morbi, Gujarat has taken responsibility for the city’s suspension bridge collapse last month, in which as many as 135 people lost their lives.

In an affidavit submitted to the Gujarat High Court, the Morbi Municipal Corporation said that “the bridge shouldn’t have been opened.”

The civic body was heavily criticised by the High Court on Wednesday for taking too long to file an affidavit explaining how the collapse happened despite receiving two notices.

When the case was called for hearing on Wednesday morning, the court stated that if the civic body did not file the affidavit that same evening, a fine of Rs 1 lakh would be imposed.

On Tuesday, the court asked the civic body for specific justifications on allocation of the 150-year-old bridge maintenance contract.

On November 24, when the matter will be heard again, the High Court has summoned Sandipsinh Zala, the Chief of the Morbi Municipal Corporation.

Corporation’s approval copy was not attached

The private contractor informed the Chief Officer of the Municipal Corporation on December 29, 2021 about the serious condition of the bridge and demanded contract renewal. On this, the contract was renewed on March 2022, with a condition that that the renewed contract will be implemented only after the approval of the general body of the corporation. But the copy of this approval has not been attached.

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Deputy Collector is on election duty

The lawyer appearing in the court on behalf of the Morbi civic body has told the court that the deputy collector who is in charge of the municipality is on election duty. He was not able to select a lawyer to file his reply as per the order of the court dated November 7. Though the civic body had sought time till November 24 to file the affidavit, it was turned down by the court.

These 8 questions were asked to the civic body:-

  • How was the contract for renovation given without inviting tender?
  • Who was responsible for certifying the fitness of the bridge?
  • What steps were taken to end the contract in 2017 and issue tender for the next tenure?
  • The contract was not renewed after 2008, so on what basis was the bridge being allowed to be operated by Ajanta?
  • Was Section 65 of the Gujarat Municipal Act followed on those responsible for the accident?
  • Why the Gujarat Municipality did not exercise its powers under Section 263 of the Act when the prima facie fault was that of the Municipality.
  • What steps have been taken since the bridge accident?
  • Can the government give a compassionate job to those whose family’s only earning member died in an accident.

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India News

Vijay expresses gratitude to Modi, Rahul Gandhi for congratulatory messages after poll victory

Vijay thanked PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi after his party’s strong Tamil Nadu poll performance, promising governance focused on public welfare.

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for congratulating him on his party’s strong performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), acknowledged the wishes shared by both leaders following the party’s impressive electoral debut, which has significantly altered the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the Prime Minister on social media platform X, Vijay said that his party’s focus would remain on public welfare and development. He emphasised that governance should rise above political differences and aim at improving the lives of the people.

“The well-being of our people remains our only goal… we shall focus on the state’s progress and welfare,” he said, while also expressing hope for support from the Union government in achieving these objectives.

The TVK has emerged as a major political force in the state, breaking the long-standing dominance of traditional parties and marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.

According to early developments, the party has staked claim to form the government and may seek additional support if required to prove its majority in the assembly.

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Mamata Banerjee questions poll process, targets Election Commission after defeat

Mamata Banerjee accuses the Election Commission of misconduct after BJP’s historic win in West Bengal, questioning the fairness of the electoral process.

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TMC chief alleges irregularities in electoral process as BJP secures decisive victory in West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, accusing it of playing “nasty games” during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections.

Reacting to her party’s defeat, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief alleged that the electoral process was not conducted fairly and raised serious concerns over the role of authorities in the outcome.

According to reports, Banerjee claimed that the mandate did not reflect the true will of the people, suggesting that irregularities and manipulation may have influenced the results. She questioned the credibility of the election process and indicated that her party would review the situation further.

The remarks came after the Bharatiya Janata Party registered a historic win in West Bengal, marking a major political shift in the state.

Banerjee’s criticism adds to a series of allegations made during and after the election period, where she had earlier also raised concerns about counting procedures and the conduct of central agencies.

Despite the setback, the TMC leadership has signalled that it will continue to challenge the results politically, while maintaining that democratic norms must be upheld.

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Himanta Biswa Sarma attacks Congress after Assam win, says people made Pawan Khera eat Pera

Himanta Biswa Sarma targets Congress after BJP’s Assam win, saying voters made Pawan Khera eat pera.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp attack on the Congress after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Reacting to the results, Sarma took a swipe at Congress leader Pawan Khera, saying that the people of Assam had made him “eat pera,” a remark aimed at highlighting the party’s defeat in the state.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) registered a commanding win, marking its third consecutive term in Assam. The BJP itself won a significant number of seats, while its allies — the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) — also contributed to the alliance’s strong tally.

The victory underlines the BJP’s continued dominance in the northeastern state, with Sarma emerging as the central figure in the party’s campaign and governance narrative.

Political observers note that the scale of the mandate reflects voter support for the party’s leadership and its governance approach, even as the opposition struggled to mount an effective challenge.

With this result, the BJP has further strengthened its position in Assam’s political landscape, while the Congress faces renewed questions over its performance in the state.

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