Overview
- At a Saturday rally in Malda, West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to attendees who had climbed a makeshift tower and poles to come down.
- Before beginning his speech, he told the crowd their lives were more precious than any show of support and said he would be deeply saddened if anyone was hurt.
- The address was briefly halted as he repeated the request until people descended from the structures.
- Large turnout and limited sightlines prompted some attendees to seek higher vantage points, with videos and images circulating on social media.
- There were no reports in the coverage of injuries, and Modi proceeded with his remarks after the situation was brought under control.