Eight people — one of them a woman — died in a near-stampede in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, during a roadshow by the state’s former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Mr Naidu, who is now the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, was expected to address a meeting a Kandukur town.
The rush started as Mr Naidu’s convoy was passing the area in the evening. The huge crowd, which had gathered, pressed forward for a glimpse of the leader.
Local authorities said many fell in an open drainage canal and eight people died.
Those who are injured are undergoing treatment in the local hospital.
Mr Naidu, who immediately cancelled the meeting, has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families who have lost their loved ones. He has also asked the party leaders to ensure better medical care to the injured.
