On October 30, a major tragedy in Gujarat shook the nation as over 130 people lost their lives in the collapse of a suspension bridge in Morbi Town. Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the tragedy site and met injured people in the hospital on November 1.
Such a mishap in a pole-bound state would have pushed any state government on the back foot. But in BJP’s bastion, PM Modi's popularity triumphs over debacles and the saffron party is likely to defend its western fortress with ease this time too, says a survey report conducted recently. Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party which is trying to make inroads in Prime Minister's home state tried to corner BJP over the unfortunate incident. Kejriwal demanded the resignation of the state chief minister Bhupendra Patel over the ‘corruption’ allegation in giving away the tender for the repair of the hanging bridge.
Despite the attacks, the BJP claimed that the state government responded efficiently and the first patient was in the hospital within 18 minutes of the accident. Days later, an opinion poll predicted that BJP will return to power with a thumping majority in the Gujarat Assembly Election 2022 while Congress is coming second and AAP will remain in the third spot.