Indian Voters Brave Record Heat in General Election
MUMBAI — As the general election in India heats up, voters like Karan Shah, 32, and his 59-year-old mother in Gujarat are preparing to battle the scorching temperatures. Armed with water bottles and fruit, they plan to beat the heat and long queues by arriving at the polling station early in the morning.
India is experiencing one of its hottest summers on record, adding to the challenge of the general election held every five years in April and May. Last month, the country saw at least nine heat-related deaths as temperatures soared.
Political rallies have not been immune to the heat either. Federal minister Nitin Gadkari fainted during a campaign rally in Maharashtra, while a television anchor in Kolkata passed out due to high temperatures. India’s weather department has predicted longer and more intense heatwaves for May.
To address the heat, election authorities are providing drinking water at polling booths and extending voting timings. However, experts fear that the extreme temperatures may impact voter turnout.
Former chief election commissioner N Gopalaswami suggested holding elections in the cooler months of February and March to boost voter participation. Political parties have also adjusted their campaign schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Dr Amit P Gawnde, a pulmonologist, warned of the health risks of spending long hours in the heat. Voters like Sukhada Khandge in Pune district are taking precautions by covering up when they go to vote.
Despite the challenges, voters like Dipakumar Hasmukhbhai Patel in Gujarat and Deepika Jigar Tumdawala in Surat are determined to exercise their democratic right. The Election Commission has introduced measures to minimize the impact of heat on the elections, including extended voting times and provisions for elderly and disabled voters.
As the general election continues in states like Telangana, voters like Pratibha are facing the difficult decision of braving the heat to cast their ballots. Despite the challenges, voters like Chintala Ramesh are determined to vote and fulfill their civic duty.
