Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut his speech short at a rally in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district and later apologised after several women and children fainted following a stampede-like situation at the venue.
North 24 Parganas:
Several women and children were injured, a senior police officer said. While Modi was addressing the well-attended rally of the Matua community, hundreds of supporters who were standing outside the venue tried to barge into the inner ring of the rally ground, leading to commotion.
Modi tried to pacify the crowd by asking them to stay put in their places and stop from making efforts to come on the front side of the inner ring.
"The ground is too small for this meeting. Please remain where you are... I request you, there is no place in the Maidan. Don't do this," the Prime Minister said, as people jumped barricade and jostled with one another to get a vantage point to listen to their leader's speech.
However, his pleas went unheard as supporters started throwing chairs inside the no-man zone in front of the stage to make space for others to stand in the inner ring, which was earmarked for women supporters.
An officer manning the state police control room said two-three women had fainted. "They were rushed to a hospital and released after first-aid," he said.
As the commotion continued, Modi abruptly ended his speech by raising the slogan 'Bharat Mata ki jai' and left the ground, saying he has another meeting to attend.
Several women and children fainted during the stampede-like situation and were also rushed to the hospital for primary treatment, the officer said.
The incident brought back memories of Modi's July 16 rally last year at West Midnapore district when a make-shift stage collapsed leading to injuries to several persons.
Later, at another rally at Nehru stadium, Durgapur, in West Burdwan district, Modi began his speech by referring to the incident.
"At Thakurnagar, there was a unprecedented crowd, they were high on enthusiasm. I saw mothers, sisters in large numbers. I think there was twice the number of people than the ground can hold. They were inconvenienced.
"I bow my head and salute all those who had come to Thakurnagar and showered their blessings and love on me.
"But at the same time, some sisters and children faced problems. I sympathise with them, and apologise for this," he added.
Modi advised the crowd at Durgapur to be patient.
"I request you all also, I know your enthusiasm. Your love is my strength. But alongside love, you need to have patience. This ground is so big, but still it now looks small (because of the huge turnout)," he said.
(With inputs from IANS)