'I know whose direction you're working under': UP transport minister Daya Shankar Singh loses cool over opening of bridge in Ballia, rebukes PWD engineer

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh confronted a Public Works Department engineer around midnight for inaugurating a newly built bridge in his constituency without prior notification.

The minister visited the bridge over Kathar Nala in Ballia and expressed strong disapproval of the unauthorized opening.

The minister, who is also the Ballia Nagar MLA, addressed the executive engineer present at the location with stern words.

"Don't lose your mind. I am the MLA and the minister here. You opened the bridge without informing me. I know whose direction you're working under," Singh told the engineer.

The minister appeared to suggest that the engineer was acting under the influence of Bahujan Samaj Party's Rasra MLA Umashankar Singh, though he did not explicitly name him.

"Are you contesting elections from here? Is the BSP giving you a ticket? Maybe the MLA is helping you get one," the minister questioned.

Speaking to reporters, Singh revealed that the engineer had previously refused to open the bridge citing incomplete testing and pending administrative approvals.

"But suddenly on Tuesday, under the influence of someone who interferes in PWD affairs and whose word these engineers follow, the bridge was opened without approval or informing us — just so we don't get the credit," he explained.

The minister announced his intention to report the matter to higher authorities.

Singh also highlighted broader concerns about PWD's performance in the region.

"Since 2015, not even a drain has been constructed here despite prior payments. How can any officer in this government be so powerful? He is ignoring the minister, the MLA, and even the municipal chairman. There must be some higher protection," he stated.