03 Jan 2019 | 12:53 AM UTC
India: Tens of thousands to attend political rally in New Delhi January 6
Around 50,000 to attend Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Dalit rally in Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on January 6; localized transportation disruptions and crowded conditions expected
Event
An estimated 50,000 people are expected to attend a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) political rally for the Dalit in New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, January 6. The rally will be led by BJP President Amit Shah and involve the cooking of a 3000-kg (6613-lb) khichdi, a dish of rich and lentils, to serve to rally attendees. While the rally is expected to remain peaceful, crowded conditions, transportation disruptions, and a heightened security presence are expected in the vicinity of event.
Context
The BJP, India's ruling party, is holding the rally to solidify support among the Dalit community, or "untouchables" caste, before general elections in March and April 2019. Elections will be held for the 543 seats of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament. The BJP currently holds 282 seats but has recently faced electoral losses at the state level in recent months.
Advice
Individuals in New Delhi are advised to monitor updates to the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, crowded conditions, and a heightened security presence in the vicinity of the rally, and avoid all political events as a precaution.
