03 Jan 2023 | 10:05 PM UTC
India: Indian National Congress plans march in parts of Uttar Pradesh State through Jan. 5
Indian National Congress to march in parts of Uttar Pradesh State, India, through Jan. 5. Increased security, transport disruptions likely.
Event
The Indian National Congress (INC) party will hold a march in parts of Uttar Pradesh State through Jan. 5 as part of its nationwide "Bharat Jodo Yatra" (Unite India March) campaign to mobilize grassroots-level political support. The column of participants will pass through several areas, including Baghpat, Bijnor, Bulandshahr, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, and Shamli. On Jan. 4, march participants will reach an undisclosed location in Pavi Sadakpur city at 14:00. Activists will then make an overnight stop at the Hari Castle in Mavikala village before proceeding to Haryana the next day. Organizers could change the schedule or route details with little-to-no notice. Thousands of INC supporters will reportedly participate in the march and related events.
Security personnel will probably deploy to monitor the events. While violence is unlikely, minor skirmishes may occur if police attempt to forcibly disperse disruptive crowds. Localized transport disruptions are likely, especially near rally venues. Localized business disruptions may occur through the evening of Jan. 5.
Context
The Bharat Jodo Yatra march began Sept. 7 to denounce the current policies of the central government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The route covers Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab states, as well as the capital Delhi.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations and refrain from navigating through roadblocks. Allow additional travel time near rallies. Monitor official announcements on additional public gatherings and any road closures. Heed all official security and transport advisories.
