Vandalisation of foundation stone in Buxar triggers war of words

Buxar: The foundation stone for the road project—from NH-922 to Mahavir Mandir in Dumraon—was vandalised late Monday night, triggering a political slugfest in the region.The road, sanctioned under the Chief minister’s comprehensive urban development scheme, is estimated to cost Rs 64.70 lakh, and is being executed by Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (Buidco).The foundation stone for the road project was laid earlier in the day by Dumraon CPI(ML) MLA Ajit Kumar Singh, in the presence of Vikas Thakur, deputy chief councillor of the Dumraon Municipal Council.Upon receiving information about the vandalism incident, the MLA visited the site on Tuesday and alleged that the BJP workers were behind the incident. He claimed that the BJP supporters had earlier attempted to pressure administrative officials to prevent him from attending the inaugural event.“The road had been neglected for years. I recommended this project in the public interest. Those who could not get it constructed while being in power are now uncomfortable,” Singh said, adding the local administration has been informed and an investigation is underway.However, Omprakash Bhuvan, president of district BJP, said no party worker or functionary was involved in the incident. He described the incident as an expression of public anger against the MLA.