India is currently facing a historic heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius in several cities and causing many heat-related deaths. Amidst this extreme weather, the country is also in the midst of parliamentary elections, as reported by the BBC.
Due to the scorching temperatures, schools in some regions of India have been temporarily closed and the streets are deserted as people try to stay indoors as much as possible. Reports indicate that at least 50 people have died from heatstroke across the country, prompting concerns about public safety.
In addition to the challenges posed by the heat, authorities are also facing criticism for failing to implement adequate measures to protect the public from other hazards associated with extreme weather conditions. For example, in Rajasthan, one of the western states most affected by high temperatures this week, officials have been criticized for not doing enough to provide shade and water for those working outside during peak hours.
The election commissions are offering water and fans to voters to help them cope with the heat during voting day. However, even those involved in running the parliamentary elections are not immune to extreme conditions. Reports suggest that election officials and security guards in Rajasthan succumbed to heat-related illnesses while carrying out their duties on Friday.
These parliamentary elections in India are being hailed as one of its largest in history, with an estimated 970 million people eligible to vote. Polls suggest that right-wing nationalist party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with its allies, is expected to secure a significant majority in lower house of parliament ensuring another term for Prime Minister Nerendra Modi. Despite these challenges and criticisms, Indians continue to exercise their right to vote under such extreme conditions.
