Taking a dig at the government for the poor condition of roads and dismal flood management in the wake of the incessant rains in the state in the last few days, Gujarat Congress Legislature Party leader Amit Chavda on Tuesday, strongly condemned negligence and corruption in the state machinery that he said had led to such a situation.
Chavda highlighted that while the state was grappling with the consequences of heavy rainfall, citizens were also burdened by rampant inflation and excessive taxation. Speaking at a press conference, Chavda complained, “In the past, rain would bring frogs to the streets, but now, under the BJP regime, its potholes and pits are seen on the roads after the first rain.”
The Congress leader pointed out that potholes had become a widespread problem across Gujarat, from rural areas to the capital, Gandhinagar. He emphasised that these road conditions not only inconvenienced citizens but also led to significant financial strain, stating, “Potholes not only break the backs of the people of Gujarat but also break their pockets.” Chavda criticised the government for collecting a staggering ₹4,800 crore in toll taxes annually while failing to provide quality roads, attributing the deterioration to natural causes rather than governmental mismanagement.
Chavda presented alarming statistics, revealing that over 500 people lost their lives in accidents caused by potholes between 2017 and 2021. He cited the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s admission of repairing potholes at more than 19,000 locations within the city this season alone, with Surat reporting over 10,000 repairs. “Every year, crores of rupees are washed away due to potholes, enriching contractors and government officials while wasting taxpayer money,” he stated.
Chavda called for accountability, demanding that the government release a white paper detailing the state of potholes across Gujarat. He urged officials to disclose which roads have been constructed in the past two years, the funds allocated for repairs, and the contractors responsible for the work. “The public deserves to know who is benefiting from the taxes they pay,” he asserted.
The Congress leader criticised the Chief Minister’s dual role overseeing both the Roads and Buildings Department and the Urban Development Department, questioning why the government has not taken stronger action against corrupt contractors. He urged the administration to prioritise the welfare of the people over political campaigns, stating, “While the Chief Minister focuses on BJP member registration, the people of Gujarat need relief from these potholes.”
Chavda concluded by emphasising that the pothole crisis affected all types of roads in the state, including those leading to significant landmarks like the Statue of Unity. He called for immediate action to address the ongoing issues, demanding transparency and accountability from the government.
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