18 Sep 2023 | 06:45 PM UTC
India: Opposition parties to hold rallies across Madhya Pradesh State through at least late September
Opposition parties to stage rallies in Madhya Pradesh State, India, through at least late September. Increased security likely.
Event
Opposition parties will hold various rallies across Madhya Pradesh State through at least late September to mobilize grassroots-level support ahead of the state legislative assembly elections slated to occur by November 2023. The Indian National Congress (INC) party has announced plans to launch a 15-day protest march as a part of its Jan Aakrosh Yatra (People's Anger Rally) movement. The march will begin during the Hindu Ganesh Chaturthi festival and pass through all 230 political constituencies.
Te INC campaign will begin from the following locations on Sept. 19:
State Highway 1: Activists to begin rally along the thoroughfare in the Gwalior-Chambal region and will traverse 1,600 km (994 miles) across 30 constituencies.
State Highway 2: INC supporters to cover 1,700 km (1,056 miles) in 32 constituencies in the Bundelkhand and central regions of Madhya Pradesh.
State Highway 3: Demonstrators will kickstart the march along the Vindhya and Mahakoshal regions and cover 1,900 km (1,181 miles) throughout 30 constituencies.
State Highway 4: Activists will journey 1,400 km (870 miles) through 31 constituencies in the Vindhya and Mahakoshal regions.
State Highway 5: Protesters will march across 22 constituencies and traverse 1,400 km (870 miles) in Mahakoshal and central Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal and Hoshangabad.
State Highway 6: INC supporters to traverse 33 constituencies along the tribal belt of the Malwa-Nimad region spanning 1,700 km (1,056 miles).
State Highway 7: Activists to march in the Malwa region, spanning 1,700 km (1,056 miles) across 36 constituencies.
Additionally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been holding an ongoing protest campaign called the Jan Ashirwad Yatra (People's Blessings Journey) since Sept. 3. The BJP-led movement is also occurring in various parts of the state. As of Sept. 19, BJP marchers will reach Bhopal on Sept. 21, and the party's leaders will conclude the event at Bhopal's Jamboree Maidan on Sept. 25; Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the rally. Although organizers from both parties have not provided additional details, potential gathering sites include prominent places of worship, government buildings, public squares, and thoroughfares. Previous similar rallies have drawn very large crowds. Activists may delay or cancel certain planned events due to possible law enforcement or organizational-related issues. Activists from rival political groups could stage counterprotests with little-to-no notice.
Authorities will almost certainly maintain an increased security presence near such gatherings and may move to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Isolated clashes between demonstrators and police, as well as between supporters from opposing rival camps, cannot be ruled out. Localized transport disruptions are certain to occur, especially along the main state highways. Associated localized transport disruptions are possible.
Advice
Avoid the rallies as a precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan accordingly for possible localized business disruptions. Carry proper identification documents at all times. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
