As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Centre has issued a nationwide alert asking states to remain vigilant against possible violence and protests.

According to sources, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked state governments to closely track activities of both pro-Iran and anti-Iran groups. The advisory comes after reports of protests by members of the Shia community in different parts of the country following the February 28 killing of the Iranian leader.

Heightened security around embassies and key sites

The MHA has cautioned that international developments could have repercussions for India’s internal security. States have been instructed to enhance security arrangements, particularly around the Iranian, US and Israeli embassies and consulates.

In addition to diplomatic missions, the alert includes tourist destinations, Jewish institutions and establishments linked to Western countries as potentially sensitive locations. States have been advised to increase deployment of security personnel at key sites and maintain a visible presence to deter any untoward incidents.

Police units have also been directed to carry out intensified checks in crowded areas and remain alert to the possibility of explosives, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Monitoring of social media and rapid response preparedness

The advisory places special emphasis on surveillance of social media platforms to prevent the circulation of inflammatory content or rumours that could disturb communal harmony. Cyber cells across states have been tasked with monitoring digital spaces for provocative messages.

Directors General of Police have been asked to ensure that rapid response teams are on standby to deal swiftly with any emerging situation.

Escalation in West Asia

The developments come after Israel, with support from the United States, launched strikes on Tehran, triggering a renewed phase of military confrontation in the region. The Pentagon reportedly named the operation “Operation Epic Fury”.

Explosions were heard across the Iranian capital, with reports suggesting that the strikes occurred near the offices of Ali Khamenei. Former US President Donald Trump later announced that Khamenei had been killed.

Subsequently, Israel carried out strikes targeting Beirut and southern Lebanon, citing retaliation for attacks by Hezbollah following the killing of the Iranian leader.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will begin its large-scale ‘Parivartan Yatra’ in poll-bound West Bengal from Sunday, marking a major political outreach drive ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The party said the campaign is designed to mobilise support across the state and counter what it alleges has been more than a decade of “corrupt, undemocratic, and anti-people governance” under the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Statewide mobilisation across nine divisions

According to party leaders, the Yatra will be conducted simultaneously in all nine organisational divisions of West Bengal. The outreach programme is expected to cover nearly 5,000 kilometres, passing through 38 organisational districts and more than 230 Assembly constituencies.

The BJP estimates the initiative will generate over one crore direct public touchpoints, focusing heavily on face-to-face interactions and grassroots engagement. As part of the campaign plan, the party has scheduled 63 large rallies and 281 welcome meetings at key entry points of Assembly constituencies.

With the slogan “Paltano Dorkar, Chai BJP Sorkar”, the party has framed the Yatra as both an electoral campaign and a broader political movement aimed at strengthening its organisational presence across the state.

Focus on governance, law and order, and corruption

The party’s messaging during the Yatra will centre on governance, accountability, and systemic reforms. BJP leaders plan to raise concerns related to women’s safety, alleged corruption in the education sector, including teacher recruitment issues, and what they describe as threats to national security.

Party sources indicated that demographic changes, illegal infiltration, and the presence of extremist elements in border districts will also be key themes during the campaign.

In rural areas, the outreach will emphasise agricultural infrastructure, implementation of centrally sponsored schemes, and removal of intermediaries. In urban regions, the narrative will focus on industrial development, youth employment, and improvements in urban transport systems.

Senior leaders to participate

More than 100 senior leaders from the central and state units are expected to be involved in the Yatra. The inaugural phase, scheduled for Sunday and Monday, will feature five launch events on the first day and four on the second.

Senior BJP leaders including Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Rajnath Singh, Dharmendra Pradhan, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Nitin Nabin are expected to attend various programmes during the campaign.

After a short break for Holi, the Yatra will resume from March 5 to March 10, with each unit operating for approximately nine hours daily. The campaign is set to culminate in a major public meeting at Kolkata’s Brigade Ground, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address supporters.

The BJP is positioning the Parivartan Yatra as a significant step in reshaping the political landscape of West Bengal as the state moves closer to the Assembly elections.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has indicated that the alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) is expected to be finalised by March 10 ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The AGP, a long-time ally of the BJP in Assam, is also a founding member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Discussions between the partners are progressing, with indications that the formal announcement could come within days.

Sources said there could be “friendly fights” between the BJP and AGP in a few constituencies. Such arrangements may be considered to accommodate local-level aspirations and party workers from both sides.

The BJP is also likely to conclude seat-sharing discussions with the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) by March 10. In the previous Assembly election, the BPF had aligned with the Indian National Congress (Congress), but it has now returned to the NDA fold.

However, seat-sharing talks between the BJP and its other Bodoland-region partner, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), are reportedly facing hurdles. Earlier, Mr Sarma had stated that the UPPL would not join hands with the Congress.

On the opposition side, the Congress is dealing with its own alliance challenges. Negotiations with Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal are underway, but sources suggested that discussions have not been progressing smoothly.

Congress sources said seat-sharing arrangements with the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Left parties are almost finalised. An official announcement is awaited from the party’s high command.

As political negotiations intensify, both the ruling NDA and the opposition camp are working to conclude alliances and seat-sharing deals in the run-up to the state polls.