NEW DELHI, Apr 23: Warning of possible heatwave in some of the states going to the second phase of polling on Friday was causing concern to both the contesting political parties and the Election Commission of India after over four per cent drop in the turn out noticed in the first phase of polling on April 19.
With the rising political temperature heatwave is also sweeping many parts of the country. As many as 13 states and Union Territories are going to the polls in the second phase on Friday and what has got experts as well as the Election Commission worried is that there is a heatwave warning for parts of at least four such states – West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka – on that day.
The voter turnout for the first and biggest phase of the general elections settled at 65.5%, a drop of 4.4 percentage points from the 69.9% seen in the same constituencies in 2019.
Data from Bihar’s Nawada and Gaya Lok Sabha constituencies backs the hypothesis that higher temperatures, especially over 40 degrees Celsius, have an impact on voter turnout. On April 11, 2019, the maximum temperature was 35 degrees C in Nawada and the turnout was 52.5%; this dropped to just 41.5% on April 19, when the maximum temperature was 42 degrees Celsius.
In Gaya, the turnout was 56% on April 11, 2019, when the maximum temperature was 35 degrees C, dropping to 52% last Friday, when the maximum temperature was 42.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast a hot summer, with an increase in the number of heatwave days. With six phases of polling still left, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and the Election Commissioners held a high-level meeting, which was attended by the IMD chief, to take stock of the situation.
A meeting is also planned with Chief Electoral Officers of the states to take stock of necessary facilities like drinking water and fans at all polling stations.
Dr Naresh Kumar, Senior Scientist at the India Meteorological Department, said, “We have issued a red alert for heat in West Bengal for the next three days. Temperatures in Bihar will exceed 40 degrees Celsius. A heatwave is expected in eastern Uttar Pradesh after 24 hours and in western Uttar Pradesh after two days. The temperature will remain hot and humid in Kerala too.”
Dr Kumar said voters can also take steps to keep themselves safe and hydrated. “According to the guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority, people should wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes and cover the head with a cap or cloth. They should keep themselves covered and not expose too much of the body to the heat.” “Always carry plenty of fluids and water, and keep an eye on the daily forecast as well as advisories of the India Meteorological Department,” he added.
(Manas Dasgupta)
