Gandhinagar: Gujarat BJP chief CR Patil has in a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI) urged for proactive measures to enhance voter turnout in the Lok Sabha election.

Patil has urged the implementation of the following measures:

‘a) Provision of ample cloth tents and air coolers outside polling booths to shield voters from direct sunlight and mitigate the risk of heat-related ailments.

b) Arrangement of drinking water facilities and refreshments such as buttermilk or lemon sharbat to alleviate dehydration among voters waiting in queues.

c) Availability of essential medical aid, including oral rehydration solutions, to address dehydration-induced health concerns.’

Patil has in the letter noted – ‘In Gujarat, where the electorate is scheduled to vote on May 7th, the prevailing temperatures
oscillate between 35o to 44o Celsius, with forecasts predicting a further surge. It is disconcerting to note a discernible decline in voter turnout across several states despite concerted efforts by the Election Commission. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need
for concerted action by all stakeholders to fortify our electoral process.’ DeshGujarat