Lok Sabha Elections 2024: How political parties are facing the heat (literally)!

Congress supporters trying to figure out the working of a portable fan. Pic/Satej Shinde

Political parties have another challenge to overcome as the election nears - campaigning amidst rising temperatures in the city, ranging from 36 to 40 degree Celsius in April. The party representatives have adapted to the sweltering weather, with road shows and rallies likely to take place only in the morning hours and the evening hours with the afternoons reserved for indoor meetings with the public.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Harshal Pradhan said, "There are days we are supposed to be out regardless of the heat but our focus is to not cause any discomfort to our party cadre or to the citizens." He added that all the big rallies with top leaders which can attract large crowds are scheduled to take place in the evenings. "Nomination rallies have been an exception. Any road shows or rallies by candidates will take place either in the morning or evenings, depending on the temperatures," he said. He added that there will be drinking water facilities at the big gatherings.

"We are not the ones to sit in ACs," said Sheetal Mhatre, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) spokesperson. "Our cadre has been drinking enough water and they know how to take care of themselves. But we will also have a separate water tanker and provide caps to the workers," she said. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, "We start our rallies in the early morning hours and end it by 11 am. After that we are taking sabhas in the halls in the afternoon and the public meetings in the evening."

Just a few days ago, BJP minister Nitin Gadkari collapsed on stage while addressing an election rally in Maharashtra's Yavatmal. Party spokesperson Bhalchandra Shirshat said, "We are providing ample water at our rallies and we are minimising programmes during afternoon hours. So even in Mumbai we will be holding rallies in the morning and evening hours."

Yamini Jadhav is Mahayuti candidate in Mumbai South

After much delay and deliberations, Mahayuti has fielded Yamini Jadhav belonging to Shiv Sena (Shinde) party from Mumbai South constituency. This decision has laid to rest the speculation of Milind Deora, who quit Congress to join Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), Assembly speaker Rahul Narvekar (BJP) and minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha (BJP) as the candidate. As Deora had been elected from Mumbai South, there was intense speculation of him getting the ticket as a reward for switching over to the Sena. However, Sena (Shinde) spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre said, "Milind Deora is already in Rajya Sabha, why would he be interested in Lok Sabha. He will be campaigning (for Jadhav)."