India: Bharatiya Janata Party to hold rally at Belagavi District Stadium, Karnataka State, 1600 Jan. 17.

Event

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a rally at the Belagavi District Stadium, Karnataka State, from 1600 Jan. 17. Home Minister Amit Shah will address the event, scheduled ahead of a local by-election set to take place by early March. Organizers claim over 300,000 people will participate; attendees are likely to gather from the morning of Jan. 17.

Large numbers of security personnel will deploy to monitor the BJP rally. Localized traffic disruptions due to checkpoints, route diversions, and road closures are probable in the vicinity of the event venue. Public transport services may be particularly congested as supporters arrive at and depart from the rally venue. Skirmishes may occur between police and activists due to enforcement of crowd control measures.

Advice

Exercise caution around the rally venue. Confirm business appointments, road status, and transport reservations before attempting travel in Belagavi District Jan. 17. Allow additional travel time to reach destinations in the affected area. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all traffic and security advisories.