16 Apr 2024 | 02:06 PM UTC
India: Political rallies likely to intensify nationwide through late-April ahead of general elections /update 4
Political rallies likely across India through late-April due to upcoming elections. Tight security likely; transport disruptions possible.
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 19-June 1. 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:
April 17: Prime Minister Modi will address a rally at 13:00 at the Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala, Tripura State. INC member Rahul Gandhi will attend programs in the Mandya and Kolar, Karnataka State.
April 18: BJP National President JP Nadda will hold a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) conference in Kokrajhar, Assam State.
April 19: Modi will visit Wardha, Maharashtra State, and spend the night in Nagpur.
April 20: Modi will campaign in Parbhani, Maharashtra State.
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. Unionized farmers could intensify their sporadic protest campaign in the lead-up to the elections to show their discontent with party policies they claim are against the farmers. Counterdemonstrations to any rally cannot be ruled out, particularly at rallies occurring in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana States. On April 7, BJP candidate Taranjit Singh Sandhu encountered heavy protests from farmers when holding political rallies in Gangomahal and Kallomahal villages near Amritsar, Punjab State.
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.
