Delhi airport roof collapse: Opposition leaders criticize PM Modi following the collapse of Terminal 1’s roof, citing hasty inauguration for election campaigning. The incident, which resulted in one death and several injuries, has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety. Accusations of corruption and negligence have been leveled against the Modi government, while officials clarify the collapsed section was part of an older building. Flights from Terminal 1 are suspended, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Opposition leaders have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the collapse of a portion of the roof at Delhi airport’s Terminal 1 amid heavy rain, resulting in the death of one person. The expanded Terminal 1, inaugurated by PM Modi in March, was intended to accommodate more passengers. The Delhi airport roof collapse has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety and construction quality.
Accusations of Hastily Inaugurating an Incomplete Terminal
On March 10, PM Modi inaugurated or laid the foundation stone for 15 airport projects across India, worth more than Rs 9,800 crore. The expanded Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi was among these projects. Opposition leaders have accused PM Modi of hastily inaugurating an incomplete terminal to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, pointing to the Delhi airport roof collapse as evidence.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of “corruption and criminal negligence” in infrastructure projects over the past decade. “Corruption and criminal negligence is responsible for the collapse of shoddy infrastructure falling like a deck of cards in the past 10 years of Modi government,” Kharge stated. He added, “On March 10, when Modi ji inaugurated the Delhi Airport T1, he called himself ‘doosri mitti ka insaan’. All this false bravado and rhetoric was only reserved for quickly indulging in ribbon-cutting ceremonies before elections! Our heartfelt condolences to the victims of the Delhi airport roof collapse. They bore the brunt of a corrupt, inept, and selfish government.”
Opposition Leaders Respond
National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah criticized the incomplete nature of the terminal’s inauguration. “Incomplete terminal ‘inaugurated’ before the model code was imposed earlier this year starts falling apart before it’s even completed, what a surprise!!” Abdullah tweeted in reference to the Delhi airport roof collapse.
Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale alleged that PM Modi “hurriedly inaugurated” the expanded Terminal 1 for election campaigning. “Shocking and tragic news this morning. The roof at Delhi Airport’s T1 collapsed this morning and, until now, three people are reported dead. For election campaigning, Modi had hurriedly ‘inaugurated’ T1 in March even while it was under construction. Why shouldn’t PM Modi be charged with culpable homicide? He’s directly responsible for the death of three people who lost their lives because Modi was desperate to campaign,” he tweeted.
Government Response
Responding to the allegations, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu clarified that the collapsed structure was an older part of the terminal, not the newly inaugurated section. “We are taking this incident seriously. I want to clarify that the building inaugurated by PM Modi is on the other side and the building that collapsed here is an old building and was opened in 2009.”
Following the Delhi airport roof collapse, all flights to and from Terminal 1 were suspended until further notice. Operations at Terminals 2 and 3 remain normal. “Heavy rain in early morning today has resulted in the collapse of the canopy of #DelhiAirport Terminal 1. As a result of which flights to and from Terminal 1 have been closed till further notice. Alternate arrangements are being made for the smooth operation of the flights,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation tweeted.
Incident Details
The ministry reported that a few passengers were injured and received prompt medical assistance. “Few passengers got hurt. They were promptly provided with medical assistance on the spot and those taken to hospital, their whereabouts are being regularly monitored,” it stated.
The Delhi Fire Service received a call about the Delhi airport roof collapse around 5:30 am, dispatching at least four fire tenders to the scene. Civil Aviation Minister Naidu stated that he was personally monitoring the situation. “Personally monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Delhi Airport. First responders are working at the site. Also, advised the airlines to assist all affected passengers at T1. The injured have been evacuated to hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing,” he tweeted.
The Delhi airport roof collapse has sparked a heated debate over the safety and quality of infrastructure projects inaugurated by the government, with the Opposition seizing the opportunity to criticize the ruling administration.
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