Scorching sun casts a cloud on political rallies, campaigns

Gurgaon: With the sun blazing through the day, the weather in the city is playing spoilsport for political parties and candidates. Party leaders said they were finding it difficult to mobilise crowds for rallies and public meetings during the day, when the temperature hovers around the 40-degree mark. As a result, most rallies are being held in the evening while candidates are hitting their campaign trails only after sundown.

Haryana is set to vote in the sixth phase on May 25. A party leader said it is difficult to organise rallies during the afternoon, and the usual time for political events, meetings and rallies has been pushed into the evening. With the likelihood of increase in temperature in May, it will become more challenging to hold public outreach programmes.

JJP is holding small indoor gatherings, mostly at community centres to beat the heat. Instead of outdoor rallies and campaigns, Rahul Fazilpura of JJP, along with senior leaders of the party, is meeting people in small groups. “Keeping the weather in mind, we are focusing on conducting a series of meetings with small groups instead of holding a rally to gather large numbers in open,” said the JJP leader. Congress has not yet started its campaign.

The unexpected showers is another challenge for holding campaigns. On Friday, former CM Manohar Lal Khattar’s Vijay Sankalp rally in the city aimed at drumming up support for the party for the Lok Sabha polls, was spoiled by rain. Khattar and BJP’s Gurgaon candidate Rao Inderjeet Singh were about to address the gathering in the citywhen a sudden downpour forced people to run for shelter and organisers to end the rally abruptly.

Political parties and candidates are now exploring alternative ways to reach out to voters, such as door-to-door campaigns, social media, and smaller gatherings in indoor venues. They are also focusing on early morning and late evening events to avoid scorching heat during the day. BJP’s district president Kamal Yadav said they are holding meetings with different social and professional groups and rallies are being planned in the evening. “We are trying to reach out to voters through different platforms, while rallies are being planned in the evening,” said Yadav.

The weather department has advised people to stay indoors during peak heat hours and stay hydrated. The department has also suggested that outdoor activities be scheduled during cooler parts of the day. The Election Commission has also taken note of weather conditions and has directed the authorities to ensure that adequate measures are in place to prevent heat-related illnesses among voters and polling staff. The commission has asked the authorities to provide shade, drinking water and other necessary facilities at polling booths.