India: Political party plans march rallies in Gujarat State through Oct. 21

Event

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold five rally marches in parts of Gujarat State through Oct. 21 to mobilize political support for the upcoming state assembly elections slated for December. Organizers plan to campaign at various locations statewide during the marches across 144 local assembly constituencies. On Oct. 13, two additional routes will commence from Navsari District’s Unai Mata temple beginning 13:30 and the final route from Ahmedabad District’s Sant Shree Savaiyanath Samadhi Sthaan temple; it remains immediately unclear where the rallies will end. Organizers will also address several meetings in Ahmedabad’s Jhanjharka area and Navsari District.

On Oct. 12, the party commenced the first march from Mehsana District’s Bahucharaji temple toward Mandvi, Kutch District, and the second march from Dwarka bound for Porbandar city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address a mass rally either in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, or another major city in Gujarat toward the end of the marches. Hundreds of supporters will likely participate; the demonstration is unlikely to cause violence. Organizers may change the routes along the scheduled rallies at short notice due to organizational-related issues or other disruptions.

Authorities will likely increase security measures near the planned march routes. Skirmishes cannot be ruled out, especially if police attempt to forcibly disperse disruptive crowds. Localized transport disruptions are possible, especially near rally venues.

Advice

Avoid the rallies and navigating roadblocks as a standard security precaution. Allow additional travel time near rallies. Monitor official announcements regarding additional public gatherings and any road closures. Heed all security and traffic advisories.