04 Oct 2017 | 07:21 PM UTC
India: BJP launches 15-day protest march in Kerala state Oct. 3
BJP leader Amit Shah launches 15-day protest march in Kerala state on October 3 against alleged CPI(M) political violence
Event
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Shah announced the start of a 15-day march in Kannur on Tuesday, October 3, protesting alleged political violence by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) that has targeted BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers. The Jan Raksha Yatra (People's Protection March) will reportedly travel over 154 km (95.7 mi) in 11 districts in Kerala state, and will end in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, October 17. Over 2000 police officers were deployed in Kannur to provide security for the beginning of the march; a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are anticipated throughout Kerala state in the coming days, especially along the march route and during associated rallies.
Context
Shah's march, which protests CPI(M)'s alleged killing of 120 BJP-RSS workers in Kerala state (84 BJP-RSS workers have allegedly been killed in Kannur district alone) since 2001, represents the BJP's first significant attempt to influence Kerala state politics. The march route is indicative of BJP's willingness to challenge the political status quo in the state, which has long been ruled by the CPI(M)-led Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front. For example, additional rallies will take place in CPI(M)-dominated towns in Kannur district along the march route, including Alappuzha and Pinarayi, the hometown of Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is also one of the CPI(M)'s most influential leaders. The march also includes several Christian towns in the state such as Thrissur, Chalakudy, Ernakulam, and Pathanamthitta, which ostensibly show the BJP's willingness to ally with Christian groups against the political left.
Advice
Individuals present in Kerala state are advised to avoid the march route and associated rallies due to potential violence. Anticipate traffic disruptions and plan alternate routes when traveling in affected areas. Avoid overly-crowded areas when possible, and maintain a high degree of situational awareness at all times.
