Saamana Editorial Slams 'Gujarat Model' After Gambhira Bridge Collapse in Vadodara

In the wake of the Gambhira bridge collapse in Gujarat, the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamana has published a scathing editorial, sharply criticizing the so-called ‘Gujarat Model’ of development. The editorial comes a day after the bridge connecting Anand and Vadodara districts broke into two, sweeping away multiple vehicles and reportedly more than ten people.

The editorial describes the collapse as symbolic of the broader failure of the "Gujarat Model" frequently championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Saamana remarks, “The Gujarat model of development that has been praised for years is now collapsing daily — from Pahalgam to Delhi, and now Gujarat.”

In a dramatic recounting, the paper writes that the live images of the collapse — showing trucks, tankers, and cars being swept away — reflect the fragility of infrastructure supposedly built under the developmental model attributed to Modi's leadership.

The Saamana editorial draws parallels between the Gambhira bridge collapse and the Morbi bridge disaster from three years ago, which resulted in the deaths of over 141 people. It notes that while the Morbi bridge, built during British rule, lasted 140 years, the Gambhira bridge, only 45 years old, split into two.

The editorial criticizes the Gujarat government’s failure to act, questioning why the bridge was not repaired or replaced despite being considered old and unsafe. It also highlights that although Rs 212 crore was reportedly sanctioned for a new bridge and a survey had been conducted, no substantial action followed. “Where were the horses halted?” the piece questions, implying delays and administrative inaction.

Touching upon the political backdrop, the editorial notes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously represented Vadodara in Parliament and is now the MP from Varanasi. Saamana claims the developmental promises made in Varanasi, inspired by the Gujarat model, are failing too — citing crumbling roads and poor infrastructure.

It adds that Modi, who had accused Mamata Banerjee's government of “fraud” when a bridge collapsed in Bengal, must now answer for the bridge collapse in his home state. “Modiji, your Gujarat model has turned out to be as weak as the Gambhira bridge,” the editorial asserts. “It is not just the bridge that has collapsed, but the very foundation of the Gujarat model.”