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New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) As Leader of the Opposition (LoP) stated that the Constitution was "thousands of years old", BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi derided Rahul Gandhi, questioning whether his remarks stem from ignorance or a lack of knowledge about the Constitution drafted by Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

This controversy follows LoP Gandhi's comments on Monday during the Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan in Patna.

Speaking in a rhetorical manner, Rahul Gandhi said, "People say that the Constitution was drafted in 1947. However, I believe that this Constitution is thousands of years old. It includes the thoughts of Ambedkar ji, Phule ji, Gandhi ji, Nehru ji, Guru Nanak ji, and Sant Kabir. The Constitution contains the ideas of those whom India respects."

Speaking to IANS, Sudhanshu Trivedi responded, "Look, there are people who always keep the Constitution in their pockets. Whatever Rahul Gandhi has said about the Constitution clearly shows that he probably never takes out a copy of the Constitution from his pocket to read it.

"He does not even know that the Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 and came into force on January 26, 1950. He is saying it was drafted in 1947, whereas the Constitution was not even prepared at that time. The process of its preparation was still in its early stages, which is why the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to celebrate November 26, 1949—the day the Constitution was adopted—as Constitution Day."

Sudhanshu Trivedi further said that it shows that he lacks prior knowledge of the Constitution and its historical context.

"Now it’s very clear. There are many misguided youth, and perhaps Rahul Gandhi represents one of them—someone who lacks prior knowledge of the Constitution and its historical context. That is why the Prime Minister has taken the initiative here. After his remarks, he said that the Constitution is thousands of years old. I don’t understand whether this reflects his ignorance about the Constitution drafted by Baba Saheb Ambedkar or if he genuinely believes this. Is this just ignorance about the Constitution, or is it contempt for it," he stated.

Sudhanshu Trivedi further appreciated that the Congress finally acknowledged that India is thousands of years old.

"However, one thing pleasantly surprised me: This party, which used to argue that India is not thousands of years old—that it came into existence during the Mughal period and became a country during the British period—has now acknowledged that it is thousands of years old. I want to remind them that India is indeed thousands of years old and is the only surviving prehistoric civilisation in the world. We are the land where knowledge first emerged. The sad part is that the Congress party, which has always denied India’s ancient civilisation, has now inadvertently admitted it," he claimed.

"I would like to say that when Prime Minister Modi declared this as Amrit Kaal, he set a 25-year agenda. He mentioned that these 25 years will lay the foundation for India’s future for the next 1,000 years. We draw inspiration from our thousands of years of history, set a vision for the next 25 years, and plan for the next millennium. Meanwhile, others are the ones who don’t even know the basics—keeping the Constitution in their pockets without understanding when it was drafted or implemented," he concluded.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, April 8 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday claimed that a deliberate conspiracy was underway to distort the contributions of national heroes.

After opening the Extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Ahmedabad, Kharge said: "A false narrative was being built to pit Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel against each other, as if they were adversaries."

Asserting that the two leaders were two sides of the same coin, he recalled a speech by Patel delivered on March 7, 1937, at Gujarat Vidyapith, when Nehru was Congress President and the state's youth wanted him to campaign during provincial elections.

"Patel had said, 'The day Gujarat wins this electoral battle and proves its loyalty to the Congress, that day we shall welcome Congress President Nehru with pride'. This shows how deeply Patel believed in Nehru's leadership," Kharge noted.

He sharply criticised the current political environment, warning against "rising communal division" and "corporate control" over national resources.

"On one hand, efforts are being made to divert public attention from core issues by spreading communal hatred. On the other hand, oligarchic monopolies are capturing the country's resources and threatening to dominate governance," he said.

He credited Patel's leadership during the 1931 Karachi session for shaping the soul of the country's Constitution through the resolution on Fundamental Rights.

"For the past several years, efforts are being made to malign the Congress - a party with 140 years of history in nation-building and sacrifice - by those who have little to show in terms of their own achievements or contribution to the freedom movement," he said.

Invoking the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Dadabhai Naoroji - three iconic leaders born on Gujarat's soil who once led the Congress and helped shape India's political and moral foundations, Kharge said they not only led the Congress but illuminated its path.

"Gandhiji gave us the unshakable weapons of truth and non-violence to fight injustice, tools no power can withstand," Kharge stated.

In December 1924, Gandhi ji presided over the Congress Session in Belgaum, Karnataka - my home state. We celebrated this centenary with due reverence on December 26 last year."

With the national convention returning to Gujarat after 64 years- the last one held in Bhavnagar in 1961 - Kharge said it was only fitting that the party reflect on its ideological roots and historical role in shaping modern India.

Reminding the gathering of Gujarat's proud legacy of grassroots struggle, he said: "Just as Champaran Satyagraha under Gandhi ji’s leadership strengthened the Congress in rural India, the Bardoli Satyagraha and farmers’ movements led by Sardar Patel remain immortal in our history."

Kharge highlighted the upcoming 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31, calling him "the architect of India's unity", echoing Pandit Nehru’s description of Patel’s unifying role.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were also present on the occasion.

With over 3,000 delegates in attendance, including chief ministers of Congress-ruled states, state unit presidents, and senior leaders, the two-day conclave is expected to craft the party's roadmap for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) Social activist Medha Patkar got relief on Tuesday from a Delhi court in a decades-old defamation case filed by Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena as it changed the jail term to a year's probation and reduced the fine imposed on her from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 lakh.

The Saket court directed Patkar’s release on probation for good conduct, noting her clean record and contribution to social causes.

Patkar appeared before the court via video conferencing.

While the court had earlier sentenced her to five months of simple imprisonment and imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine, it reconsidered the punishment on account of her age, clean past, and the non-grave nature of the offence.

Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh of the Saket court observed that Patkar is a well-known social activist who has received several awards and that the offence did not merit imprisonment.

"The court decides to release her for good conduct. She is being released on probation of one year," the judge said.

On April 2, the court had dismissed Patkar’s appeal challenging her conviction in the defamation case.

Last year, on July 1, Metropolitan Magistrate Raghav Sharma sentenced her to five months in jail and ordered her to pay Rs 10 lakh as compensation to Saxena. Advocate Gajinder Kumar, along with advocates Kiran Jai, Chandra Shekhar, Drishti, and Somya Arya, had argued the case for Saxena.

The defamation case dates back to 2001, when Saxena -- then chief of the Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties -- filed two defamation suits against Patkar. One pertained to allegedly derogatory remarks she made during a television interview, while the other involved a press statement.

The legal tussle arose from an earlier suit filed by Patkar in 2000, accusing Saxena of publishing defamatory advertisements targeting her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan.

--IANS

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Srinagar, April 8 (IANS) Senior legislator and Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Lone said on Tuesday that his party has moved a notice for a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

In a post on his X handle, Lone said the Speaker has not allowed them to discuss the Waqf Amendment Act, hence, they are moving the motion.

"We have presented a no confidence motion against the Honble Speaker. He has become an impediment in voicing our opinion against the Waqf bill. J&K is the only Muslim province in India. History will hold us in contempt if we do not send a strong message against this bill," Lone said in the post.

He also posted the letter on his X handle, which is signed by two other MLAs, both from the PDP, besides Lone. The notice has been submitted under Rule 215(A) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.

The letter addressed to the Secretary of the Legislative Assembly says, "In accordance with Rule 215(A) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, we hereby submit this notice of our intention to move a resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Assembly."

"This decision stems from widespread outrage within the House over the Speaker's actions, including the rejection of discussions on an adjournment motion and the refusal to entertain a resolution brought forward by opposition parties. Such conduct undermines the democratic principles and procedures governing this esteemed institution, prompting this resolution to address the matter," the letter states.

The move has sent ripples through the region's political corridors, signaling deep unrest within the legislative framework.

A letter, signed by multiple MLAs, expressed serious concern over the Speaker’s actions, particularly his refusal to allow discussion on an adjournment motion and his rejection of a resolution proposed by opposition members concerning the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Joining Sajad Lone in this step are Mir Mohammad Fayaz, MLA from Kupwara and Rafiq Ahmad Khan, MLA from Tral. They are from Mehbooba Mufti's People's Democratic Party (PDP).

"Their collective signatures reflect a growing unity among opposition voices who feel sidelined and silenced in the current legislative environment," the party's statement added.

On Monday, Lone had raised questions about the ruling party NC’s commitment to both opposing the contentious Waqf Amendment Act and pursuing the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

He had dissected what he described as the contradictory actions of the NC, questioning the authenticity of their opposition to the Waqf Act while highlighting procedural inconsistencies in their approach.

--IANS

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Chennai, April 8 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Agriculture Department is taking urgent measures to tackle a severe whitefly infestation that has affected 1.9 lakh acres of coconut farms in the state.

Out of the 12 lakh acres under coconut cultivation in Tamil Nadu, approximately 1.9 lakh acres have been impacted by the rugose spiraling whitefly, an invasive species known for its rapid spread.

These pests produce a thick sap on the surface of leaves, inhibiting plant growth and threatening coconut yields.

Officials from the Agriculture Department emphasised that only natural and integrated pest management methods can effectively control the infestation.

The Union Government’s Department of Agriculture has also advised against the use of chemical pesticides, warning that they may exacerbate the whitefly problem.

To raise awareness and guide farmers, the state has conducted 330 camps across various districts.

A joint field study conducted by scientists from the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Kasaragod, Kerala, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), and the state’s Horticulture Department led to the implementation of several control measures last year, which helped contain the spread.

Research by the Agriculture Department has identified several effective strategies to manage the whitefly population include installation of light traps (one per hectare), use of yellow sticky traps (20 per acre), release of Encarsia parasitoids (100 per plantation), deploying green lacewing insects also called Apertochrysa (400 per acre), spraying a 0.5 per cent neem oil solution and power-spraying water on the underside of coconut leaves.

Meanwhile, farmers in Dharmapuri district — where coconut cultivation spans around 5,578 hectares —have raised concerns over the growing presence of whiteflies.

They have urged the Horticulture Department to increase awareness efforts and supply biological control agents such as Encarsia formosa, a parasitic wasp known to be effective against whiteflies.

“A coconut tree can grow up to 50 feet, so conventional pest control methods are ineffective,” said K.R. Muthumaran, a farmer from Pappireddipatti.

“We need Encarsia mites to control the infestation, but they are not available in our region. The department must step in and provide them,” he said.

Agriculture officials said they are promoting awareness through farmer groups and social media campaigns. They have also recommended regular water spraying under the leaves of saplings and young trees up to five years old.

Additionally, a mix of castor oil and water has been suggested as a viable solution, though it is mainly applicable to younger plants.

—IANS

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Patna, April 8 (IANS) Rashtriya Lok Morcha President and Rajya Sabha MP, Upendra Kushwaha, launched a scathing attack on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, questioning his promises of providing employment in Bihar and accused him of political theatrics ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

Speaking to the media at Patna Airport, Kushwaha said, “Rahul Gandhi is talking about giving jobs in Bihar. Why doesn’t he first give jobs in the states where the Congress is in power? Go there and provide employment instead of misleading people here.”

Kushwaha alleged that the Congress party remembers employment only during elections and fails to deliver when in power.

“After Independence, the Congress ruled the country for 60 years. Then, for 15 years they were in power in Bihar in alliance with the RJD. The damage they did during that time is not hidden from anyone,” Kushwaha claimed.

He stated that no matter what the Congress and the Opposition alliance do, the NDA will return to power in Bihar.

Commenting on the factional clash inside the party’s state office at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna during Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Kushwaha said, “This shows the internal condition of the Congress. One leader is not ready to listen to another. If they can’t manage their own party, how can they talk about governing a state?”

Dismissing LoP Gandhi’s symbolic 30-minute ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ padyatra in Begusarai as inconsequential, Kushwaha added, “Be it 30 minutes or 300, it won’t make any difference. The people of Bihar know better. His yatra is just a show, and it will not impact voters.”

LoP Gandhi was in Patna for a day-long visit on Monday where he attended the 30-minute ‘Palayan Roko, Naukri Do’ padyatra in Begusarai, followed by addressing a gathering during the Samvidhan Sanrakshan event at Patna’s Sri Krishna Memorial Hall and then took a meeting of the party workers at state headquarter Sadaqat Ashram.

His visit was part of a preparation for the Bihar Assembly election 2025 which is expected to take place in October and November this year.

--IANS

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Kolkata, April 8 (IANS) The West Bengal unit of BJP, on Tuesday, approached a single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, seeking permission to conduct a rally in Kolkata on April 12 on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.

In the petition filed at the single judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, the state unit of BJP has claimed that although they had sought permission from Kolkata Police to conduct the rally sometime back no reply has surfaced so far.

As per BJP’s proposal, the rally has been scheduled on April 12 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Red Road in central Kolkata.

The petition has been admitted and is likely to come up for a hearing on Wednesday.

In the recent past, some organizers had to approach the Calcutta High Court for permission to hold processions on the occasion of Ram Navami on April 6.

In fact, two Ram Navami processions in Kolkata- adjacent Howrah district were conducted on April 6 following the permission of the Calcutta High Court. The state unit of BJP had alleged that whenever the question is regarding the procession related to any Hindu religious festival, the police either deny or remain silent on permission.

“Be it any programme on a Hindu religious festival or any public political event by opposition parties, the only way left is to approach the Calcutta High Court for permission after police deny the same each time,” said a state committee member of the BJP.

On April 6, several pockets in West Bengal were wrapped under blanket security cover in view of the processions on the occasion of Ram Navami. However, the BJP leaders like former national vice-president of the party, Dilip Ghosh and the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, ridiculed the elaborate police arrangements.

Both accused the state government of creating unnecessary panic among people by making elaborate security arrangements as well as imposing restrictions on the Ram Navami processions. They said that such security arrangements and restrictions are made only for Hindu religious festival events.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) As India marks ten years of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the beneficiaries, saying that the scheme has given opportunities to countless people to showcase their entrepreneurial skills and turn their dreams into reality.

The Prime Minister said that it was heartening that half of the Mudra beneficiaries belong to SC, ST and OBC communities.

"It is particularly heartening that half of the Mudra beneficiaries belong to SC, ST and OBC Communities, and over 70% of the beneficiaries are women! Every Mudra loan carries with it dignity, self-respect and opportunity. In addition to financial inclusion, this scheme has also ensured social inclusion and economic freedom."

PM Modi also interacted with some of the beneficiaries of the scheme. He said their journey was inspiring.

While highlighting the ten years of the scheme, PM Modi said several dreams have been turned into reality.

"Today, as we mark, #10YearsOfMUDRA, I would like to congratulate all those whose lives have been transformed thanks to this scheme. Over this decade, Mudra Yojana has turned several dreams into reality, empowering people who were previously overlooked with the financial support to shine. It illustrates that for the people of India, nothing is impossible!"

He said the Mudra Yojana has given opportunities to countless people to showcase their entrepreneurial skills.

PMMY is the flagship programme of PM Modi aimed at funding the unfunded micro enterprises and small businesses.

PMMY, under the Micro Units Development and Refinancing Agency (MUDRA), was set up by the Centre for the development and refinancing activities relating to micro units.

Since its launch in April 2015, the PMMY has sanctioned over 52 crore loans worth Rs 32.61 lakh crore, fuelling a nationwide entrepreneurial revolution. Business growth is no longer confined to big cities -- it is spreading to small towns and villages, where first-time entrepreneurs are taking charge of their destinies.

The scheme ensures that collateral-free institutional credit up to Rs 20 lakh is provided by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs), i.e., Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).

According to a government press release, Mudra has laid the foundation for a new era of grassroots entrepreneurship by removing the burden of collateral and simplifying access.

From stitching units and tea stalls to salons, mechanic shops, and mobile repair businesses, crores of micro-entrepreneurs have stepped forward with confidence, enabled by a system that believed in their potential. PMMY has supported these journeys by offering institutional credit to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises that form the backbone of India’s economy.

At its core, the Mudra Yojana is a story of trust. Trust in people’s aspirations and in their ability to build. Trust in the belief that even the smallest dreams deserve a platform to grow, according to a government press release.

Women account for 68 per cent of all Mudra beneficiaries, underscoring the scheme’s pivotal role in advancing women-led enterprises across the country. Between FY16 and FY25, the per-woman PMMY disbursement amount increased at a CAGR of 13 per cent, reaching Rs 62,679, while per-woman incremental deposits grew at a CAGR of 14 per cent to Rs 95,269. States with higher disbursement shares to women have recorded significantly higher employment generation through women-led MSMEs, reinforcing the effectiveness of targeted financial inclusion in enhancing their economic empowerment and labour force participation.

PMMY has made significant progress in breaking traditional credit barriers. According to the SBI report, 50 per cent of Mudra accounts are held by SC, ST and OBC entrepreneurs, ensuring wider access to formal finance.

Furthermore, 11 per cent of Mudra loan holders belong to minority communities, demonstrating the scheme’s contribution to inclusive growth by enabling marginalised communities to become active participants in the formal economy.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) India on Tuesday marks ten years of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), the flagship programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at funding the unfunded micro enterprises and small businesses.

PMMY, under the Micro Units Development and Refinancing Agency (MUDRA), was set up by the Centre for the development and refinancing activities relating to micro units.

Since its launch in April 2015, the PMMY has sanctioned over 52 crore loans worth Rs 32.61 lakh crore, fuelling a nationwide entrepreneurial revolution. Business growth is no longer confined to big cities -- it is spreading to small towns and villages, where first-time entrepreneurs are taking charge of their destinies. The shift in mindset is evident: people are no longer job seekers; they are becoming job creators.

The scheme ensures that collateral-free institutional credit up to Rs 20 lakh is provided by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs), i.e., Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).

According to a government press release, Mudra has laid the foundation for a new era of grassroots entrepreneurship by removing the burden of collateral and simplifying access. From stitching units and tea stalls to salons, mechanic shops, and mobile repair businesses, crores of micro-entrepreneurs have stepped forward with confidence, enabled by a system that believed in their potential.

PMMY has supported these journeys by offering institutional credit to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises that form the backbone of India’s economy.

At its core, the MUDRA Yojana is a story of trust. Trust in people’s aspirations and in their ability to build. Trust in the belief that even the smallest dreams deserve a platform to grow, officials said.

Women account for 68 per cent of all Mudra beneficiaries, underscoring the scheme’s pivotal role in advancing women-led enterprises across the country.

Between FY16 and FY25, the per-woman PMMY disbursement amount increased at a CAGR of 13 per cent, reaching Rs 62,679, while per-woman incremental deposits grew at a CAGR of 14 per cent to Rs 95,269. States with higher disbursement shares to women have recorded significantly higher employment generation through women-led MSMEs, reinforcing the effectiveness of targeted financial inclusion in enhancing women’s economic empowerment and labour force participation.

The scheme has made significant progress in breaking traditional credit barriers. According to the SBI report, 50 per cent of Mudra accounts are held by SC, ST and OBC entrepreneurs, ensuring wider access to formal finance.

Furthermore, 11 per cent of Mudra loan holders belong to minority communities, demonstrating the scheme’s contribution to inclusive growth by enabling marginalised communities to become active participants in the formal economy.

--IANS

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Srinagar, April 8 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, will hold security review meetings on Tuesday.

After a nightlong stay at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, he will start his busy schedule around 11 am and also review various developmental projects in the Union Territory (UT).

J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will attend the developmental review meeting chaired by Amit Shah.

Later, the Home Minister will chair a security review meeting, which will be attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, director IB, Tapan Deka, senior officers of the MHA dealing with J&K affairs, chiefs of J&K Police, paramilitary forces and officers of intelligence agencies. Both these meetings are scheduled to be held at the Raj Bhawan.

After his arrival here on Monday, Amit Shah went to the Humhama area near the Srinagar International Airport to meet the family of martyred J&K Police Dy SP, Humayun Bhat. The home minister offered his condolences to the family. He stayed for nearly 20 minutes with Ghulam Hassan Bhat, retired IGP, father of Humayun. He also offered condolences to Fatima, wife of the martyred police officer and blessed the 20-month old child of the officer.

L-G Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah accompanied the home minister during his visit to the martyr’s family. Humayun was killed on September 13, 2003, while fighting a group of terrorists in the forests of Kokernag Tehsil in the Anantnag district. Known for his professionalism and bravery, the officer was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra. The home minister then went to the Raj Bhawan, where he met some individuals and delegations before retiring for the day.

During his visit to Jammu, Amit Shah met the families of four policemen martyred while fighting terrorists in the Kathua district. He gave compassionate appointment orders to the next of kin of the martyrs.

He said during his interaction in Jammu that terrorism was down but not yet fully out in J&K. He assured that the situation would soon be brought to complete normalcy.

He had a closed-door meeting with members of the BJP and RSS at the Jammu residence of Sunil Sharma, the Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly.

During his visit to the border outpost of the BSF in Kathua on Monday, the home minister praised the BSF for being an elite border sentinel force of the country. He said cutting-edge technology is being provided to the BSF for complete tech-driven surveillance of the border.

He told the deployed BSF jawans that the country holds the force in high esteem because of their commitment to duty and protection of the country’s frontiers. “You discharge duties round the year, 24 hours a day and in torrential rain, extreme cold or 45-degree heat. BSF has a glorious past, and you genuinely deserve the prestige the force has earned among the countrymen,” he told the BSF officers and jawans.

After completing his schedule in Srinagar, Amit Shah will return to Delhi in the afternoon.

--IANS

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