24 Jan 2024 | 07:34 AM UTC
India: Indian National Congress (INC) march planned in Bihar and West Bengal states from Jan. 25
Opposition march planned in parts of Bihar and West Bengal states, India, from Jan. 25. Increased security, limited disruptions likely.
The Indian National Congress (INC) party will hold marches in western Bihar and northern West Bengal states from Jan. 25 as part of their nationwide 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' event. The action aims to mobilize support for INC ahead of the 2024 general elections. Prominent INC lawmaker Rahul Gandhi will lead attendees alongside other prominent political figures. Hundreds of supporters will participate on foot and in vehicles. Districts with planned stops for roadshows and/or rallies are:
Jan. 25: Cooch Behar, Alipurdar, Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal State; leaders will stay in Falakata in Alipurdar District Jan. 26-27 for a break to mark Republic Day.
Jan. 28: Darjeeling and Malda, West Bengal State
Jan. 29: Kishanganj, Bihar State
Jan. 30: Purnia, Bihar State
Jan. 31: Katihar, Bihar State
Feb. 1: Araraia in Bihar State and Murshidabad in West Bengal State
Demonstrations are likely at or near public grounds, stadiums, thoroughfares, public squares, and university campuses; rallies typically occur from late morning to late afternoon. Event venues may change at short notice due to logistical issues or police curbs. Major cities are unlikely to face significant disruptions. Security deployment is likely at any events. Skirmishes are possible if police attempt to forcibly disperse disruptive crowds; isolated clashes have occurred in similar rallies. Localized transport disruptions, including increased demand for public transport by attendees, may occur during large gatherings.
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.
The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' march by the INC began in Manipur State on Jan. 14. The route passes Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat states before culminating in Maharashtra State's Mumbai city on March 20. In total, 6,713 kilometers would be crossed over a period of 66 days. This is a sequel to the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' march from Sept. 7, 2022, to Jan. 30, 2023.
