Amidst a historic heatwave in India, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius in several cities and causing many heat-related deaths, the country is also holding parliamentary elections. The scorching temperatures have led to the temporary closure of schools in some regions and empty streets as people try to stay indoors as much as possible. At least 50 people have died from heatstroke across the country, prompting concerns about public safety.
Authorities in Rajasthan, which experienced particularly high temperatures this week, are facing criticism for failing to implement adequate measures to protect the public from the heat. Even those involved in running the parliamentary elections are not immune to the extreme conditions, with reports of election officials succumbing to the heat. In Uttar Pradesh, at least nine election officials lost their lives due to the heat on Friday, while voters face challenges as they brave the heat to cast their ballots. Long queues are forming at polling stations and election commissions are offering water and fans to voters to help them cope with the heat.
These parliamentary elections in India are being hailed as the largest in history, with a staggering 970 million people eligible to vote. Polls suggest that the right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, along with its allies, is expected to secure a significant majority in the lower house, ensuring another term for Prime Minister Nerendra Modi.
