Housewife Bindwasvini Devi, like millions of others, endured the scorching sun to vote in India’s national elections amidst a gruelling heatwave that is expected to end soon.
The city of Varanasi witnessed a high voter turnout early in the morning as people tried to beat the heat that has made life unbearable due to temperatures reaching as high as 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit).
Many voters were eager to fulfill their democratic duty quickly and return home to seek refuge from the intense heat.
Even in the morning, both polling officials and voters were seen sweating profusely, enduring long wait times without adequate ventilation.
Varanasi, known as the spiritual capital of the Hindu faith, usually bustling with religious activities, was deserted as residents sought shelter from the heat.
The ongoing heatwave in India has resulted in several heat-related deaths, making this year’s election process even more challenging for both poll workers and voters.
The election commission has urged polling stations to take necessary measures to alleviate the impact of the hot weather on voters.
Despite the challenging conditions, voters have been turning up in large numbers at polling stations across the country.
Poll workers like Kshem Kumar Pathak are dedicated to their duty despite the harsh weather conditions, ensuring that the voting process goes smoothly.
As the heatwave continues to pose challenges, both voters and officials remain determined to fulfill their responsibilities.
