UP Minister Rebukes Engineer Over Unnotified Bridge Opening

Ballia (UP), August 6 (PTI): In a stern confrontation, Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh reprimanded a Public Works Department (PWD) engineer for opening a newly constructed bridge in his constituency without providing prior notice. Singh, who is also the Ballia Nagar MLA, conducted an on-site visit to the bridge over the Kathar Nala late at night.

"You must be out of your mind. I'm the MLA and the minister here. You've opened this bridge without informing me. I am well aware of whose instructions you're following," chastised Singh to the executive engineer present. Though not explicitly naming anyone, Singh's remarks seemed to insinuate the involvement of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Rasra MLA Umashankar Singh.

The minister further challenged, saying, "Are you planning to contest elections from here? Has the BSP promised you a ticket? Perhaps the MLA is aiding you in such endeavors."

Lamenting to reporters, Singh mentioned that the executive engineer had previously cited the lack of formal testing and administrative approval as reasons for not opening the bridge, despite persistent requests. "But suddenly on Tuesday, influenced by someone who meddles in PWD affairs and whose word these engineers heed, the bridge was opened without approval or notification, solely to sidestep us receiving any credit," he observed.

"This matter will be elevated to the higher authorities," Singh confirmed.

Moreover, the minister voiced concerns over the PWD's reliability in the region. "Since 2015, we haven't seen even a drain constructed here despite prepayments. How can any officer in this administration wield such authority? He's disrespecting the minister, MLA, and the municipal chairman. There's undoubtedly protection from higher up," he emphasized.

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