With temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius in various parts of Tamil Nadu, the ongoing Assembly election campaign is significantly influenced by the scorching weather alongside political strategies. Candidates and party workers are adjusting their schedules to combat the intense summer heat while ensuring their voter outreach efforts remain effective. In places like Tiruchy and Madurai, campaigning activities now follow a split schedule, starting early in the morning, pausing during peak afternoon heat, and resuming after sunset to minimize heat exposure.
What used to be a full day of continuous rallies and door-to-door canvassing has now evolved into carefully timed engagements aimed at reducing heat stress. Party members on the ground are taking extra precautions by distributing caps, scarves, and water among supporters, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated during public interactions. Campaigns in busy neighborhoods and markets persist, albeit with adjustments to pace and duration to cope with the extreme weather conditions.
The impact of the scorching weather is already visible, as seen in a recent incident in Thanjavur where AIADMK candidate Elamathi Subramanian reportedly collapsed while campaigning, underscoring the physical toll of prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This incident has prompted candidates from all parties to implement stricter safety measures. Particularly, senior leaders, including those above 75 years old, are exercising caution by modifying their schedules, starting campaigns early in the morning, avoiding hot beverages, and emphasizing hydration with juices.
Campaigning activities resume post 3.30 p.m. as temperatures begin to decrease, showcasing the resilience of political parties in the face of the heatwave. Despite the challenges posed by the scorching weather, the election campaign’s intensity remains high, with parties aggressively pursuing voter engagement while balancing health precautions. As the polling day nears, the battle for votes is not just against political opponents but also against the relentless summer sun.
