Cyclone ‘Montha’ has disrupted Bihar election campaign. More than 20 major rallies were canceled due to heavy rain and wind, due to which the programs of the leaders were changed. There is an alert of 65 Km/h wind and heavy rain in 24 districts.
The campaign for Bihar assembly elections has been deeply affected due to the powerful cyclone ‘Montha’ that emerged from the Bay of Bengal. Due to incessant rain and strong winds since Thursday, more than 20 major election rallies across the state had to be canceled on Friday (October 31), forcing leaders of all major parties to change their schedules.
Prominent leaders and rallies affected by the cyclone
Prominent leaders whose rallies and meetings were canceled due to bad weather and security reasons include…
- BJP President JP Nadda: His two important rallies, scheduled in Sitamarhi and Madhubani, were canceled due to poor visibility and strong winds.
- Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (JDU): His 2 rallies, which were to be held in Kosi region, were cancelled.
- Tejashwi Yadav (RJD): A total of 3 of his rallies in Khagaria and Saharsa had to be postponed.
- Chirag Paswan (LJP-RV): His 2 meetings focused on young voters were cancelled.
Other affected leaders include Jitan Ram Manjhi and Rajiv Pratap Rudy’s meetings in Aurangabad and Bhojpur, which have been postponed till the weather clears.
Weather condition: 65 Km/h wind and alert in 24 districts
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe alert in 24 districts of the state for the next 24 hours in view of cyclone ‘Montha’. There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rain in Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Purnia and Muzaffarpur. During this period, the wind speed can reach up to 65 kilometers per hour (Km/h), due to which there is a possibility of damage to the kutcha houses. The department has also issued a warning for lightning (thunderstorm) till November 2, appealing to people to stay in safe places.
Deep impact on life, increasing risk of flood
Due to continuous rains, normal life in the state has been badly affected. There has been a serious situation of water logging in the low-lying areas of Chhapra, Buxar and Darbhanga. Experts have expressed the fear of flood threat looming once again in the border areas of Bihar due to continuous rains in Nepal, due to which the administration is on alert. After heavy rains on Thursday, the maximum temperature in the state has dropped by about 6 degrees Celsius, due to which the weather has become cooler and people have started taking out warm clothes.