As Karnataka grapples with a severe drought and water crisis, political parties encounter an additional obstacle – navigating a scorching heatwave during their election campaigns. With temperatures soaring, particularly in North Karnataka where the second phase of polls is scheduled, parties brace themselves for tough conditions ahead. The escalating temperatures, expected to hit 40 degrees Celsius and beyond in April and May, pose a significant challenge for senior political figures embarking on rigorous campaign schedules.
Even in traditionally cooler Malnad districts, temperatures have surged to unprecedented levels, defying expectations. Meteorological experts attribute this rise, two degrees higher compared to the previous drought, to the dry spell and the El Nino effect. Coastal Karnataka also faces the harsh realities of a heatwave, compounded by escalating humidity levels.
In response to expert forecasts predicting record-high temperatures, parties are re-evaluating their strategies to safeguard the well-being of their workers while ensuring effective voter outreach. This includes exploring options such as conducting campaigns during cooler morning and evening hours and commencing door-to-door campaigning from 9 am to 12 pm to avoid peak heatwave hours. Workers are advised to wear caps, carry drinking water, and provisions are made for refreshing beverages like homemade lemon juice and buttermilk.
Pralhad Joshi, Union minister and BJP candidate for the Dharwad constituency, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the health of party workers amid campaigning plans. Strategies involve focusing on indoor meetings during the afternoon and public functions in the evening to mitigate heat exposure.
Agrometeorologist Dr. Ravi Patil from UAS, Dharwad, warns of an anticipated surge in temperatures compared to the previous year. Dr. GB Sattur, a physician and cardio-diabetologist from Hubballi, stresses the importance of hydration and precautionary measures to combat the heatwave’s impact, particularly for vulnerable groups.
In response to the challenging weather conditions, Srinivas Mane, MLA from Hanagal, outlines the Congress party’s campaign approach for Haveri. They are holding group discussions and indoor meetings in the morning and scheduling door-to-door campaigning from 5 pm to 9 pm.
