Cooling down on voting day

Rain will bring relief from the scorching sun over the next 48 hrs — in time for the first phase of voting in Bengal, says the Met
Devjyot Ghoshal TNN
As the heat and dust in poll-bound Bengal settled down on Tuesday, campaigning too ended for the first phase of the Lok Sabha election in the state. And with it came some good news from the weatherman — the first time in the cruellest April in decades. Those who go out to vote on April 30, Thursday, can expect a milder sun and, with luck, a cool breeze. The Alipore Meteorological Office on Tuesday indicated an end to the sweltering heat within 48 hours. Met director GC Debnath predicted a sharp dip in temperature following spells of rains in northern and western parts of the state. “On election day (April 30), isolated rain and thundershowers are expected in parts of North Bengal, including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar. There is the possibility of thunderclouds in the remaining parts of the state. A significant drop in temperature can be expected in Bankura, Midnapore and Purulia. The average temperature will be around 35-36°C,” Debnath said on Tuesday. The news brought cheer to a parties that had feared a low turnout in the intense heat. Bankura and Purulia are roasting in 45°C heat. In Midnapore, Malda, Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar, the mercury is pushing past 42 degrees, leaving the land scorched and parched. The government and election personnel also breathed easy following the prediction. In Midnapore, the administration has arranged for water and oral rehydration solution (ORS) in polling booths. Purulia district magistrate Santanu Bose said special water carriers had been fixed for booths and tarpaulin sheets requisitioned to provide cover to the aged. The weather though, will do nothing to neutralise the Maoist factor. Everyone is hoping that the ballot will win over the bullet. In Malda, creased political brows eased as news of weather change trickled in. Fearing low turnout, parties have already set up water stalls at crossroads and plan to erect tents en route to booths. In Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar constituencies, parties are optimistic of a high turnout following improved weather situation. The administration, though, is taking no chances and has already organized mobile medical teams to combat weather-related exigencies. Unlike elsewhere, politicians in Darjeeling sulked at the prospect of rain playing spoil-sport. A fickle weather would make it difficult for voters to trek to remote polling booths such as Sirikhola, located at 12,000 feet above sea-level. Darjeeling apart, political parties in the rest of the state are urging voters to cast their ballot before noon and avoid the blazing sun. “The weather has been hostile. If rains arrive, it will be a huge relief. But we are advising people to vote early to avoid inclement weather,” said WBPCC general secretary Manas Bhuniya. Doctors advised added precautions. “Take plenty of liquids. Homemade ORS of water mixed with sugar and salt is very effective. Those walking long distances should take short breaks and avoid eating oily or heavy food. Those queuing up at polling booths should stretch their bodies at regular intervals,” pre-ventive medicine specialist Debashish Basu said. (With inputs from Sukumar Mahato, Debajyoti Chakraborty, Subhro Maitra, Pinak Priya Bhattacharya and Deep Gazmer)