06 Feb 2024 | 03:13 PM UTC
India: Indian National Congress (INC) march planned in Odisha state from Feb. 6 /update 2
Opposition march planned in parts of Odisha state, India, from Feb. 6. Increased security, limited disruptions likely.
The Indian National Congress (INC) party will hold marches in Odisha State from Feb. 6 as part of their nationwide 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' event. The action aims to mobilize support for INC ahead of the 2024 general election. 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:
Feb. 6: Rahul Gandhi to rally in Biramitrapur before going to Rourkela City
Feb. 7: Rourkela City, Odisha; Rally expected to occur between Uditnagar and Panposh Chak. Gandhi will hold rallies at Rajgangpur and Sundergarh villages before arriving at Jharsuguda.
Feb. 8: Jharsuguda, Odisha; Rallies expected to occur here and near Kanaktora village before Ganhdi enters the Chhattisgarh 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 deployments are likely at the 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 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.
