Campain: Rising mercury has contestants tweak rally timings

Hubballi: Candidates are making all-out efforts to reach out to voters in their respective constituencies since only a few days are left for the election.
With summer at its peak, many candidates are having a tough time reaching out to all voters following rising mercury levels in the region. It is also a big challenge for the candidates to campaign along with their well-wishers and supporters and strike a chord with the voters.
As the temperature rises with each day, many supporters are said to be reluctant to accompany their candidates, fearing scorching heat. As the code of conduct is in force, some candidates are worried about offering drinking water and other things to keep their flock cool and hydrated during the campaign.
The increasing temperature is forcing many candidates to change their campaign strategies to reach out to their voters within a short period of time. Some have planned to start campaigning in the early hours, around 6am to 12am and resume in the evening after 4pm.
Basavaraj Kundgolmagh, president of Dharwad district rural BJP, said that women and youths are reluctant to come for political campaigning and others due to the summer heat. "Looking at the weather condition, I have already spoken to the MLA candidates about starting campaigning early in the morning and winding it up in the noon before 12, later to start in the evening after 4pm and winding it up by 10pm. Once the process of filing nominations is over, we will start campaigning in rural areas at 6am," he added.
Anilkumar Patil, president of Dharwad district rural Congress, said that campaigning will be very challenging this time, amid the scorching heat. “We have requested workers of the party to work hard. Taking all workers into confidence, we will work for campaigning after nominations get over," he added.
Dr GB Sattur, a lifestyle expert and diabetologist said the scorching heat may cause many health issues. The people who participate in poll campaigning should start in the morning at 8 and take a break after four hours. To remain fit, youths and others should ensure that they consume at least 3 litres of water.
“Women participating in the campaign should be more cautious about infections due to sweat,” he added.
Political activists, aged below 40, can work in the morning and both those in the 40+ age category should preferably work in the evening, after 4pm. "Political party workers should take a break in the noon from 1 to 3. They should have fruits during their leisure hours. Watermelon is the best fruit to have as it has both water and sugar," he added.