Massive crowd turns up braving scorching sun, sandstorm

Palana (Bikaner): In a show of unwavering support, people braved the blistering 46.6 degree Celsius heat to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first public rally following India's recent retaliatory strike on Pakistan.

The rally, held in Palana near Deshnok along the Bikaner-Jodhpur highway, transformed the area into a vibrant sea of saffron and tricolour as people from nearby villages, towns and districts gathered to celebrate what many viewed as celebration of victory against Pakistan.

The atmosphere was electric, with attendees, including families and elderly villagers, donning traditional attire.

Women adorned in bright saffron saris and men in colourful turbans waved the Indian flag, expressing their patriotism and excitement. Umda Ram, an elderly resident from Nokha, encapsulated the sentiment of many, stating that "the message was clear — Modi is coming to celebrate victory over Pakistan."

Despite the extreme heat and scorching winds, which were further exacerbated by sand-laced gusts, the crowd showed remarkable resilience. Attendees shielded themselves with scarves and towels, while packed buses lined the highways leading to the venue, indicating the high turnout. However, the rally's security protocols restricted attendees from bringing water bottles, leading to some discomfort. While water cans were provided at intervals, they quickly ran dry due to the high demand. Fortunately, local volunteers stepped up, delivering cold water in milk vans to quench the thirst of the parched crowd.

The district administration faced the significant challenge of preventing heatstroke among the attendees. Local officials implemented measures such as misting pipes, water sprinklers and smog guns to cool the area, ensuring the safety and comfort of the participants. One official said, "God was kind to us. A minor sandstorm was expected, but it didn't touch the ground until the rally ended. In this region, sandstorms can turn situations chaotic in minutes."

Logistical arrangements for the rally were generally smooth, but as the event concluded and the crowd began to disperse, disorganised parking led to a significant traffic bottleneck on the highway. It took an extensive police operation to manage the congestion and restore the flow of vehicles, with traffic coming to a standstill for nearly an hour.

As the dust settled from this historic rally, the overwhelming turnout served as a testament to Modi's enduring popularity and the public's eagerness to rally behind national pride amidst challenging circumstances.