Morbi bridge collapse | Nail the villains

Fixing culpability in the Morbi tragedy is still a work in progress. Quick action needs to be taken to punish the guilty.

Rescue operations at the site of the bridge tragedy in Morbi, Gujarat

The festive spirit of Diwali ended on a horrifying note in Gujarat as a suspension bridge across the Machchhu river in Morbi town collapsed on October 30, killing at least 134 people and injuring many more. Coming just ahead of the expected announcement of the assembly election schedule, the timing, location and context of the tragedy portend ill tidings for the ruling BJP. Even though both its main rivals—the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress—refrained from starting a war of words until rescue operations were over, the subtext of the accident hung heavy in the air. The angst provoked by the tragedy will likely have a significant impact on the crucial election.