India: Indian National Congress plans march in Amaravati and Aurangabad divisions, Maharashtra State, Nov. 7-21

Event

The Indian National Congress (INC) party will hold a march in areas of the Amaravati and Aurangabad divisions, Maharashtra State, Nov. 7-21 as part of its nationwide "Bharat Jodo Yatra" event. The convoy will enter the state at Degloor in Nanded District from Telangana State, and pass Hingoli, Washim, Akola, and Buldhana districts. Rallies will be held at stops in Nanded Nov. 10 and Shegaon Nov. 18. Smaller addresses will occur daily in other constituencies along the march route; the march will occur 07:00-11:00 and 16:00-19:00 daily. Organizers will continue the march across multiple regions of India through the end of 2022 to denounce the policies of the central government under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Hundreds of supporters will probably participate; the demonstrations are unlikely to cause violence. Schedule changes are possible at short notice.

Security deployment is likely. Skirmishes may occur if police attempt to forcibly disperse disruptive crowds. Localized transport disruptions are possible, especially near rally venues.

Context

The "Bharat Jodo Yatra" march by the INC began Sept. 7. The route covers Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh states followed by Delhi, Punjab State, and Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. The event will conclude in Srinagar, Kashmir. Organizers claim around 300 people will be part of the convoy at any time. Events are likely to pass peacefully.

Advice

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