India: Further protests likely through late January to denounce home minister's remarks /update 1

Further protests are likely across India through late January to denounce Home Minister Amit Shah's allegedly disrespectful comments on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during a recent parliamentary session Dec. 17. The Indian National Congress (INC) party has called for a nationwide protest campaign from Jan. 3, which will culminate in a rally at Dr. Ambedkar Nagar Town in Madhya Pradesh State Jan. 26. In recent weeks, opposition parties and Dalit organizations have held related gatherings, with minor clashes reported between the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) coalition and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members outside the Parliament Complex in New Delhi Dec. 19.

Additional demonstrations of various types, including marches and sit-in protests, are possible over the coming weeks. Potential protest locations include political party offices, government buildings like state assemblies and district collector offices, public squares, transport hubs, and major thoroughfares. The highest levels of participation are likely in opposition-led states and those with large Dalit populations, such as Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Well-attended gatherings could attract hundreds of participants.

Officials will almost certainly monitor these gatherings and may move to disperse crowds if they become unruly or attempt to breach security cordons. Localized transport disruptions are probable, especially if demonstrators march along or block roadways. Clashes between activists and police and between activists and members of opposing groups are possible. Localized business disruptions may occur.