Satya Niketan tragedy: Ghose targets BJP’s ‘triple engine’ over governance failures

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose on Monday criticised the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Delhi over the Satya Niketan building collapse, alleging a “total collapse” of everyday governance and accusing the administration of failing to ensure basic public safety.

Her remarks came a day after a five-storey building housing a boys’ paying guest accommodation collapsed in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University’s South Campus, while repair work was underway. The death toll rose to seven on Monday, with 12 people rescued from the debris.

Ghose said Delhi, which she described as being governed by the BJP’s “triple engine” comprising the Centre, Delhi government and MCD, was witnessing repeated failures in civic administration. She cited the building collapse alongside other issues such as fires, poor civic conditions and crimes against women.

She also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of prioritising his public image and social-media presence over strengthening administrative systems and ensuring public safety. Ghose called for “less photo ops” and more substantive work to address Delhi’s civic and infrastructure problems.

Meanwhile, rescue operations continued at the collapse site on Monday. NDRF Inspector General Narendra Bundela said the agency did not have a specific figure for the number of people who could still be trapped. Rescue teams were using cutters, hydraulic jacks and canine squads to search the debris for survivors.

The building, which was reportedly around four to five decades old, had a basement and five upper floors and was undergoing repair work when it collapsed. Authorities are examining whether the ongoing work and conditions in the basement contributed to the structural failure.

The incident has also triggered administrative action. The MCD suspended its South Zone deputy commissioner and four engineers following the collapse, while police registered a case against the building owner and others. A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered.

The MCD has additionally ordered the immediate sealing of illegal buildings above four floors in the wake of the tragedy, as concerns grow over the safety of ageing structures being used as student accommodation in the area.

with inputs from PTI