India: Rallies to occur near Ludhiana, Feb. 10-11

Political parties, including the Indian National Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will hold rallies near Ludhiana, Punjab, Feb. 10-11. These rallies aim to raise political support ahead of India's general election in April/May. INC party president, Mallikarjun Kharge, and AAP party chief, Arvind Kejriwal, will attend these rallies alongside other prominent political figures. Party organizers claim tens of thousands of participants are expected to join the rallies. As of Feb. 9, the following details have been announced:

• Feb. 10: Kejriwal will lead a rally at Rahoun Mandi in Khanna to inaugurate the Goindwal thermal plant. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to join the rally.

• Feb. 11: Kharge and Kejriwal will lead a rally in Samrala to promote an expected alliance between the INC and AAP.

Additional rallies are likely to occur throughout this period. Prominent demonstration sites include near public grounds, stadiums, thoroughfares, public squares, and university campuses. Security personnel will likely monitor the gatherings and may attempt to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Clashes between activists and police and between rival political groups cannot be ruled out. Demonstrators may march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Localized business disruptions are possible near gathering venues.