The proposed bypass road on NH-80 has received a setback as no contractor from the state came forward to present bids for the project.

Only a Delhi-based company applied on the online bid. BJP leaders, however, latched on to the opportunity, saying the deteriorating law and order situation was the reason no contractor turned up.

The technical bid for the 16.5km bypass was opened on Monday by the national highways (NH) wing of the road construction department. Kedar Baitha, chief engineer, NH wing, Patna, said: " Snarls have become common for which the proposed by-pass is very essential."

Shailendra Kumar Singh, in-charge, NH division, Bhagalpur, said: "Owing to interruption in BSNL's networking service, the department here could not open the detail of the opening of the technical bid. The financial bid is scheduled to be opened on June 8.

BJP Buxar MP Ashwini Kumar Choubey alleged that the deteriorating law and order had triggered panic among contractors. "Entrepreneurs are avoiding taking up ventures here," he alleged.

BJP national spokesperson and former MP from Bhagalpur, Shahnawaz Hussain, told The Telegraph over phone that the by-pass project was his dream scheme.

"It is very unfortunate that the state government has failed to complete it," he alleged.