India: Political rallies to continue across Karnataka State through May 8 ahead of state elections /update 1

Event

Political rallies and associated disruptions continue across Karnataka State as of May 2, ahead of state elections May 10. The campaign period will end May 8. Major events are likely by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - that holds power in the state and central government - as well as the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) party. The largest rallies are likely to be those addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of his party, the BJP. Announced events that are likely to attract significant participation, enhanced security, and localized transport disruptions include:

• May 2: Modi will address rallies in Chitradurga District and then at the Puneeth Rajkumar Stadium in Hospet city 12:30. He will also visit Sindhanur of Raichur District. He will hold a 6-km roadshow from Humnabad Ring Road to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Chowk in Kalaburagi city from 17:00, prompting road closures and traffic diversions.

• May 2: INC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi will hold a rally in Mandya District 12:00, as well as roadshows in Kolar District's Chintamani 16:00, Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural District 17:30, and in CV Raman Nagar of Bengaluru City 19:15. Authorities will impose traffic diversions at multiple points including the Adugodi Main, Cambridge Layout, Cubbon Road, Old Airport, and Outer Ring roads, as well as Silk Board junction in Bengaluru city 15:00-19:00.

• May 3: Organizers claim over 250,000 supporters will attend Modi’s rally at Karnad in Mulkoi, Dakshina Kannada District, 10:00. Officials will ban vehicular movement for nonparticipants 07:00-14:00 along National Highway 66 from Haleangadi Junction to Mulki Vijaya Sannidhi, as well as from Kolnadu Junction to Industrial Area and K S Rao Nagar.

• May 6: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of the BJP will address rallies in Puttur District 12:00, Bantwal District 13:30, and in Karakala District 15:00

Other campaign rallies will probably take place at prominent public spaces and stadiums, with related demonstrations occurring near government buildings, sports grounds, public squares, and thoroughfares. Participation will vary by locale and political group, with the largest turnouts likely in major urban centers, such as Bengaluru and Mysuru.

Authorities will likely monitor any such gatherings and may disperse overly disruptive crowds. Officials may implement enhanced measures, such as roadblocks and pedestrian checks, especially in the vicinity of BJP rallies attended by Modi and other lawmakers. Clashes between police and activists, as well as between supporters of opposing rival camps, cannot be ruled out. Demonstrators may march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Localized business disruptions are possible near rally venues through May 8.

Advice

Monitor local sources for election rally announcements; avoid all such events as a standard security precaution. Keep away from any political protests that may materialize; depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Plan accordingly for associated localized transport and business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.