33 Polling Officials Die From Heat-Related Illnesses On Final Phase Of Lok Sabha Polls

Following the end of the final phase of the Lok Sabha Elections, it was reported that 33 poll personnel died in Uttar Pradesh due to heat-related illness on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa said.

The seventh phase of the general elections was held in 13 constituencies in the state: Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon (SC), Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur and Robertsganj (SC). The Election Commission had deployed 1,08,349 poll personnel for poll duty in this phase.

According to IANS, the deceased included home guards, sanitation workers, and other poll staff. A voter was reported to have died as well. 

CEO Rinwa told the news agency that the voter died at a booth in the Sikandarpur area of Ballia Lok Sabha constituency. The voter, Ram Badan Chauhan, was standing at the polling booth when he fell unconscious. He was rushed to a health centre where the doctors pronounced him dead.

All district magistrates have been directed to submit a report about the death of poll personnel in their jurisdiction. The officials will also have to submit an autopsy report of the personnel, according to CEO Rinwa.

Meanwhile, under the order of the Election Commission, the next of kin of the poll personnel will be given Rs 15 lakh compensation. 

Deaths Of Poll Personnel

In Lucknow, a member of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) who was posted at the Ramabai Ambedkar ground and was guarding the electronic voting machines (EVMs) died on Saturday. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Upendra Agarwal confirmed the constable’s death, adding that coolers and other facilities were available for the personnel on duty at the site. He said the exact cause of death would only be confirmed post-autopsy, IANS reported. 

CM Yogi Aditynath Holds High-Level Meeting On Heat Wave

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath held a high-level meeting on the heat-wave conditions in the state. According to ANI, he directed officials to maintain special vigilance in sensitive areas, and make arrangements to compensate victims within 24 hours. CM Yogi Adityanath urged special monitoring to prevent the loss of human and animal lives due to the heat wave. He also directed officials to prepare and submit a weekly report to the Chief Minister’s office.

Also, people have been urged to contact the department’s helpline number if they notice any symptoms related to the heatwave to ensure proper treatment.