Pune: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the state government following the Kanthmala bridge collapse over the Indrayani river in Pune district, which claimed four lives and left 51 injured on Sunday.
In a statement issued Monday, Thackeray expressed condolences on behalf of himself and the MNS, extending sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy that occurred on Sunday afternoon. He strongly criticised the state’s administrative failure and questioned the lack of preventive measures despite clear risks.
“If the bridge was in a dangerous condition, why wasn’t it completely closed off? If it had become hazardous, why wasn’t it demolished and replaced with a new structure?” asked Thackeray.
Taking aim at the government’s repeated use of standard crisis responses, he said: “Rescue operations are underway at full speed, and the government stands firmly with the affected citizens.”
Calling it a stock statement, he questioned, “Why do such incidents happen at all? The government has so many departments — what exactly are they doing? Can’t they inspect vulnerable bridges every few months, or at least before the monsoon? Either repair them or shut them down. If the administration isn’t doing it, what are those in power doing? And if they can’t ensure it gets done, what good is their governance?”
Thackeray also urged the public to act cautiously while placing responsibility squarely on the authorities: “People must also exercise care when visiting such spots, especially with family. This does not absolve the government of its responsibility, but caution is necessary if such lapses persist.”
He highlighted that the monsoon had barely started and already infrastructure failures were evident.
“Waterlogging, potholed roads, and bridge collapses have already begun. The government must now act on a war footing to minimise citizen distress.”
The collapse occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday at Kundmala in Maval tehsil, where about 125 tourists had gathered for a monsoon picnic. A 33-year-old iron bridge connecting local villages gave way, plunging many into the river.
