India: Bharatiya Janata Party plans to rally in South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal, from 1500 Jan. 18 /update 1

Event

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to hold a campaign rally from 1500 Jan. 18 in South 24 Parganas District ahead of state polls scheduled April-May 2021. Top party leaders of the state unit will lead a march along Diamond Harbor Road from the Bishnupur police station to the rally venue at Amtala. Hundreds of supporters are likely to participate.

Security personnel will almost certainly deploy along the march route as a precaution. Traffic disruptions such as diversions, road closures, security cordons are likely and may continue through the evening of Jan. 18, mainly along Diamond Harbor Road. Clashes may break out between rival party supporters, as well as between police and demonstrators. Police may resort to using tear gas or water cannons to disperse large crowds.

The rally venue is approximately 23 km (14 miles) southwest of Kolkata.

Advice

Avoid the rally due to possible clashes. Allow extra travel time; consider using alternative routes to avoid affected areas. Confirm road status and transport reservations in the affected area through Jan. 18. Do not navigate any roadblocks as a precaution. Heed all instructions of security personnel.