Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitin Gadkari collapsed on stage on Wednesday during an election campaign in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal city. Reports indicate that Gadkari stumbled and fell while delivering a speech in support of Mahayuti candidate Rajshree Patil. Fortunately, his health condition is reported to be stable following the incident.
In a dramatic turn of events at a Lok Sabha poll rally in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, collapsed on stage due to heat exhaustion. The incident occurred while Gadkari was delivering a speech in support of BJP-Mahayuti candidate Rajashree Patil for the Yavatmal-Washim Lok Sabha constituency.
Eyewitnesses reported that Gadkari suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed during his address at the rally held in Pusad, Yavatmal. Prompt action was taken by party workers who immediately attended to the minister, splashing water on his face and swiftly carrying him away from the podium.
Following the incident, Gadkari took to social media platform X to inform concerned citizens about his condition. He assured everyone that he was recovering and attributed the fainting spell to the scorching heat. In a post on X, Gadkari expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and stated that he was en route to Varud for his next engagement.
पुसद, महाराष्ट्र में रैली के दौरान गर्मी की वजह से असहज महसूस किया। लेकिन अब पूरी तरह से स्वस्थ हूँ और अगली सभा में सम्मिलित होने के लिए वरूड के लिए निकल रहा हूँ। आपके स्नेह और शुभकामनाओं के लिए धन्यवाद।
— Nitin Gadkari (मोदी का परिवार) (@nitin_gadkari) April 24, 2024
Yavatmal, known for its harsh summer climate, has been experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring in the region. The Met Office had issued a heatwave alert for several parts of Maharashtra from April 27 to 29, underscoring the challenging conditions faced during the ongoing election campaign.
The minister’s collapse added a moment of urgency to the election campaign in Yavatmal, which is scheduled for voting during the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 26. This incident has drawn attention to the physical strain endured by politicians as they traverse the country, engaging in vigorous campaigning during the sweltering heat.
Gadkari, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and incumbent MP from Nagpur, is currently undergoing medical treatment to ensure a swift recovery. The episode highlights the demanding nature of election season in India, particularly in regions grappling with extreme weather conditions.
The BJP-Mahayuti alliance, represented by Rajashree Patil in Yavatmal-Washim, is gearing up for a crucial battle in this constituency, which forms part of the electoral landscape of Maharashtra. Gadkari’s incident serves as a reminder of the physical toll of political campaigning, emphasizing the need for candidates to prioritize their health amidst the rigors of electioneering.
