A video of schoolgirls crossing the Kopra River in Berkheri Kalan, in the Rahli assembly constituency of Sagar district, has sparked a political debate after it went viral on social media. State Congress President Jitu Patwari targeted the government by posting the video on his media account. He wrote, “These are the beloved girls of Berkheri Kalan in Sagar district. They risk their lives every day to go to school. The masterminds of power, who are hovering in the air, will see real development when they come down to earth.” Former minister and BJP MLA Gopal Bhargava responded to Patwari’s post on his social media account. He advised Patwari to verify the video. He wrote, “A video has been posted on your official Facebook page about the difficulties faced by schoolgirls crossing the Kopra River in Berkheri Kalan village in my assembly constituency. Although I never engage in debates on such issues, since you hold a responsible position, I feel it my duty to inform you of the actual situation.” The matter was subjudice due to a farmer’s objection.
Gopal Bhargava posted on social media that, while serving as Public Works Minister, I approved a 100-meter-long, four-span high-level bridge over the Kopra River between Berkherikalan and Chhulla in June 2023 at a cost of ₹10 crore. The matter was pending in court due to an objection from farmer Amar Singh Sahu, who owns the site where the bridge is being constructed, but has now been resolved. In addition to the bridge under construction, there is a small, Ripta-like bridge built by me nearby, one corner of which has been washed away by water erosion by 10 feet. A gap has been filled to provide an alternative. Bhargava further explained that, within a half-kilometer radius of this bridge, I have previously constructed three high-level bridges on the same Kopra River, in the villages of Mahesha, Pipariya Ahir, and Vadipura. In total, three bridges have been constructed over the same river in a three-kilometer span, which could have been used as alternative routes for girls to attend school. Even then, the great public servant and investigative journalist from my constituency who made this reel of girls being dragged out of the river is nothing but defaming the area.
Just watching the video, you’ll realize this is a sponsored drama. Since you’re a leader of the main opposition party, Congress, it’s your duty to point out flaws. I, too, served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, but I always gathered authentic information before asking questions and only then raised the issue responsibly in the Assembly or the General Assembly. I suggest you verify yellow journalism and baseless information, as it will be in your best interest. I also want to inform you that the largest number of bridges over rivers in India, and roads connecting villages on three sides, are built only in my constituency. Between Rahli and Gadhakota, there are 10 bridges built over the Sunar River in the 18 kilometers. To alleviate the problems of a boatman family, I built a bridge over the Kaith River in Chaurai, a village in my own area, at a cost of 10 crore rupees for just one house. If you wish, you can come and see this bridge in Chaurai, the Atal Setu in Rahli, and the spectacular suspension bridge under construction in Rangarh. Throughout my life, I have practiced constructive politics of development and service, which my region knows.