Borders more secured now, says Rajnath

Home Minister says there is no scope for illegal infiltration, opens ‘Modi Fest’ marking anniversary

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the NDA government was committed to nation’s development by focussing on secured borders and improving the lot of farmers.

Addressing a series of programmes during his one-day visit to Rajasthan, Mr. Singh said the country’s borders were “more secured” than in the past and there was no scope for illegal infiltration. “No person from a foreign country can enter India without the government’s permission,” he said.

Surgical strike

Making a reference to last year’s surgical strike across the Line of Control, Mr. Singh said a clear message had been conveyed to Pakistan that India could hit the targets beyond its boundary, if needed. “Though we may not fire the first bullet, our forces are capable of retaliating.”

The Home Minister inaugurated a “Modi Fest”, marking the third anniversary of the NDA government, at Muhana Mandi near Jaipur and addressed a BJP workers’ meeting in Dudu. He also spoke at a meeting of intellectuals at B.M. Birla Auditorium here.

Mr. Singh said the Union government was working to improve the financial condition of farmers and double their income by 2022. The nation’s economy would improve if the farmers earned more by getting remunerative prices for their crops.

Biggest producers

Without making a direct reference to the situation in Madhya Pradesh where five farmers were killed in police firing earlier this week, Mr. Singh said the farmers must get their due as they were the biggest producers and consumers in the country.

The Home Minister blamed the previous UPA regime for the high inflation rates, while affirming that price rise had been contained through a series of measures taken after the BJP came to power.

Not a single allegation of corruption was levelled against the government during the last three years, Mr. Singh claimed.