Tent collapse at PM rally, 90 hurt

Tribune News Service 

Kolkata, July 16

At least 90 persons were injured after a tent at PM Narendra Modi’s rally, erected next to the main entrance to the venue, collapsed in Midnapore on Monday. The Centre has sought a report.

The incident occurred when PM Modi was halfway through his speech. The PM, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and local leaders seated at the dais were not  harmed. The injured were taken to the Midnapore Medical College, where 14 were discharged after first-aid.

Some people tried to climb onto the canopy for a better view, leading to its partial collapse. The PM later met the injured in hospital. 

While Modi praised the audience for staying put despite the incident, CPI-M leader Sujan Chakraborty remarked: “While many were injured, Modi  continued with his speech. Is political lecture more important than saving lives?”