Gulal catches fire during poll victory celebration, many injured

A major fire broke out during a victory rally for newly elected independent MLA Shivaji Patil from the Chandgad constituency in Mahagaon, Kolhapur, shortly after the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections were announced. The fire is believed to have been triggered by gulal (colored powder) used during the celebratory rally. Several people were injured in the blaze, including Patil, though no fatalities have been reported. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred as women performed an aarti to welcome Patil.

The fire began when a JCB machine was used to release gulal over Patil and other attendees. The colored powder, which was being used as part of the traditional celebration, is suspected to have caught fire. The flames quickly spread, injuring several people in the vicinity. One person present at the scene described the incident, stating that the “gulal ignited, and the fire spread rapidly,” causing panic among the crowd.

Emergency services immediately responded, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. According to local health officials, the injured were treated for burn injuries, and their conditions are being closely monitored. The authorities have not yet released a full list of the injured or details on the severity of their injuries.

The fire took place during the victory celebrations for Patil, who won his seat in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Patil was part of the celebrations marking the larger victory of the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, the Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde), and the NCP (led by Ajit Pawar). In the election, the Mahayuti alliance won over 230 seats, with the BJP securing 130 seats. The opposition Mahavikas Aghadi alliance, consisting of Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP, secured just 49 seats in total. Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire and are reviewing safety measures implemented during the rally. Patil, while injured, is said to be stable, and his condition is being monitored closely.

A fire broke out during Shivaji Patil’s victory rally in Kolhapur, triggered by ignited gulal powder. Several injured, including Patil, but no fatalities. Authorities investigating.#MaharashtraElection2024 #Kolhapur #ShivajiPatil #Gulal #Maharashtra #Fire #Accident pic.twitter.com/Qt2zaSk7wn

— Taaza TV (@taazatv) November 24, 2024