Heatstroke
The scorching temperatures gripping parts of India have taken a deadly toll, with at least 33 polling staff succumbing to heatstroke on the final day of voting in Uttar Pradesh.
The intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), has led to reports of multiple deaths across the country.
In Uttar Pradesh, where voting concluded on Saturday, Navdeep Rinwa, the state’s chief electoral officer, confirmed the tragic loss of 33 polling personnel due to the extreme heat.
Among the casualties were security guards and sanitation staff. Rinwa announced that the families of the deceased would receive a monetary compensation of 1.5 million rupees ($18,000).
The impact of the heatwave was starkly illustrated by a separate incident in the city of Ballia, where a voter collapsed while waiting in line to cast their ballot.
Despite being rushed to a health facility, the individual was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Experts warn that dehydration and prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to thickening of the blood and organ failure, emphasizing the lethal consequences of such conditions.
Kejriwal to Return to Jail as Modi Eyes Victory
In a concurrent development, Arvind Kejriwal, a prominent opposition leader and chief minister of Delhi, announced his intention to return to jail as per his bail conditions.
Kejriwal’s arrest in March, amid a corruption probe, was viewed by his colleagues as a politically motivated move orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Despite facing legal challenges, Kejriwal remained defiant, pledging to continue his fight against Modi’s government.
As exit polls indicate a likely victory for Modi, Kejriwal’s return to custody underscores the political tensions gripping India amidst the electoral process.
The outcome of the elections, expected to be announced soon, will shape the political landscape of India and determine the future trajectory of the nation under Modi’s leadership.
