Residents emphasized the need for bridge in Bihar's Raghopur block

Raghopur (Bihar), Oct. 4 (ANI): Residents of Bihar's Raghopur block want a concrete bridge over the River Ganga.

Locals complained that Raghopur has not got its fair share of infrastructure development, and have alleged that it is because it is the province of the main opposition, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

"Since it's Madam's (Rabri Devi's) province, the N.D.A. (National Democratic Alliance) government from five years has done nothing. There is blatant discrimination that we are facing. Raghopur is surrounded by the rivers from both the sides," said Rajeev Sahi, a local resident.

"Till the time it was RJD or Jaiprakash (Jaiprakash Narain Yadav, a MLA of the RJD) in power, boulder pitching was done. Now to show the development work in progress the current government has put up a board reading that it is as per the orders of Prime Minister," he added.

The lack of a bridge has caused difficulties for travellers and commuters.

"The most difficult and major problem of the locals is that of commutation and crossing the River Ganges. Even to reach Patna hospital it takes two or two-and-a-half hours, and people who are ill have to suffer a lot," said Surinder Kumar, a local resident.

Every year, there are tenders for building a temporary bridge while work goes on the permanent construction. Building the temporary bridge costs around rupees six million and according to the locals, the activity has been carried out every year since 1997.

But as soon as the water level goes up, the temporary bridge is removed and people are forced to use boats to cross the river.

"Every year, at least two boats get drowned, taking a toll on the life of 100-150 people. So, we need a concrete bridge," said Ram Shobhit Rai, a resident of Raghopur.

Bihar would go to the polls from October 21. It is run by a coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the regional JD(U). By Aditya Kumar Jha (ANI)