Several fall ill at Modi's rally in Buniadpur

BALURGHAT: There was complete pandemonium as around 100 people fell ill and several got hurt at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in South Dinajpur's Buniadpur on Saturday. Modi had come in Buniadpur to address a public rally for party candidate Sukanta Majumdar.

A stampede-like situation broke out when a section of supporters tried to barge into the inner ring of the rally and the barricades were almost broken.

Several women and children fell ill due to the afternoon heat. However, local BJP leaders and workers were seen inactive regarding the issue.

"There was total chaos in the rally. Around 100 people including women and children fell ill due to the heat. They were lying in the field without any medical assistance," said an irate local resident.

According to a source, there was a lot of initial enthusiasm in the area to see a Prime Minister for the first time during poll campaign, since Independence. There were several people standing outside the venue but it was alleged that no BJP leader was seen actively managing the crowd.

The state government had, however, deployed sufficient policemen to tackle any untoward situation.

A police officer said there was huge traffic congestion after the rally. Heavy vehicles including buses and lorries, along with cars and autos were seen standing for about two hours on both sides of National Highway 512.

"The situation was the worst today. Policemen faced a tough time in managing the situation. Several were found missing following the pandemonium," a police officer said.

The saffron party has likely targeted the Balurghat seat, speculating defeat in other parts of the country.