Indian States Brace for Heatwave During Upcoming Assembly Elections, Election Commission Assures Voter Comfort

Several Indian states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, and others, are set to hold assembly elections on May 10, 2023. However, these states are likely to face heatwave conditions during the voting period, according to an India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist. The IMD has issued a red alert for West Bengal and Odisha, and an orange alert for Bihar and parts of Karnataka, warning of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over the next five days.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stated that the weather forecast is normal, and they have made meticulous arrangements at all polling stations to deal with the hot weather conditions. This includes providing Assured Minimum Facilities like water, shade, toilets, ramps, volunteers, wheelchairs, and electricity to ensure that every voter, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, can cast their vote with ease.

The ECI has also held meetings with the National Disaster Management Authority, Meteorological Department, and health officials to assess the weather conditions and discuss measures to mitigate any risks due to the hot weather. The IMD has issued warnings for heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in various parts of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh during the next five days.

The ongoing heatwave spell is the second this month, and the IMD has predicted higher-than-normal heatwave days in various parts of the country during the April-June period, coinciding with the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. The intense heat could strain power grids and result in water shortages in some areas. High humidity levels could also add to the inconvenience of voters in several other states.

According to the IMD, there will be heatwave conditions in six of the 14 constituencies in Karnataka that are going to polls on May 10, 2023. The affected constituencies are Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Kolar. IMD scientist A. Prasad advised voters to take precautions by wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose, cotton clothes, covering their heads, and carrying water bottles. Elderly and people with chronic diseases are advised to avoid visiting the polling booth during the hottest hours of the day, between 11 am and 3 pm, and instead cast their votes in the early hours.

Why this matters: The heatwave conditions during the assembly elections in several Indian states could impact voter turnout and pose challenges for the Election Commission in ensuring a smooth voting process. The intense heat and high humidity levels may cause discomfort and health risks for voters, especially the elderly and those with chronic diseases.

The Election Commission of India has taken measures to mitigate the effects of the heatwave, such as providing water, shade, and other facilities at polling stations. "We have made meticulous arrangements at all polling stations to deal with the hot weather conditions," an ECI official stated. The IMD has also advised voters to take necessary precautions while visiting the polling booths during the heatwave conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Several Indian states to hold assembly elections on May 10, 2023 amid heatwave conditions.
• IMD issues red and orange alerts for heatwave in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Karnataka.
• ECI makes arrangements for water, shade, toilets, and other facilities at polling stations.
• Heatwave may impact voter turnout and pose challenges for smooth voting process.
• IMD advises voters to take precautions like wearing lightweight clothes and avoiding hottest hours.