India: Political rallies likely to intensify nationwide through late-April ahead of general elections /update 2

Various political parties are likely to continue holding rallies across India through late-April to mobilize support ahead of the 2024 general elections set to occur in April and May. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition party Indian National Congress (INC) are likely to hold the largest rallies involving tens of thousands of supporters. Authorities will likely deploy security personnel to guard venues and routes used by prominent campaigners like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, state chief ministers, and INC leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Gatherings in urban centers may disrupt transport operations and local businesses. Upcoming notable events include:

• BJP rallies April 9-12: Prime Minister Modi will attend a rally in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh State, while Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to hold a meeting in Aurangabad, Uttar Pradesh State, on April 9. Modi will visit Chandrapur, Maharashtra State, on April 10 before proceeding to Kanhan for an evening rally. On April 11, Modi is expected to hold a rally at the IDPL Ground in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand State. On April 12, Modi will be joined by Jammu and Kashmir president Ravinder Raina to hold a rally in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir.

• INC rallies April 9-12: On April 9, Rahul Gandhi will visit Almora and Haridwar, Uttarakhand State. On April 11, Gandhi is expected to attend rallies in Anupgarh and Phalodi, Rajasthan State. On April 12, Gandhi will be joined by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to hold a rally at the Chettypalayam suburb of Coimbatore.

Other rallies, street marches, and vehicle processions are likely across the country through at least late-April. The tightest security is likely during events led by Prime Minister Modi; reports indicate he may address up to 150 rallies during his campaign trail. The most popular venues for political rallies include sports and university grounds, prominent public squares, and major highways. Well-attended gatherings are likely to prompt security deployments and may cause localized transport disruptions. Clashes between rival party supporters at political events cannot be ruled out, especially in Kerala and West Bengal states. Skirmishes are also possible if police attempt to forcibly disperse disruptive crowds.