Avoid poll rallies in peak summer: EC to parties

Against the backdrop of reported heat-related deaths during election rallies, the Election Commission today came out with an advisory for political parties urging them to "avoid" holding of public meetings in extreme heat.
The unusual advisory said it has received representations and complaints about parties holding rallies in summer and about death of some people in such events.
"The Commission has considered the matter and having regard to the totality of facts and circumstances, require all political parties to avoid holding of public meetings in extreme heat conditions."
The poll panel said the venues of such meets should have adequate provision of drinking water, shade, first aid to safeguard people from sweltering heat.

While two phases of West Bengal are due on April 30 and May five, the elections to state assemblies of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will be held in a single phase on May 16.