Meerut, July 18 -- Combining a strong appeal for a peaceful pilgrimage with a sharp political attack on the Opposition ahead of the annual Kanwar Yatra that begins on July 30, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday alleged that "worshippers of Jinnah" had attempted to alter the demography of Kairana and Kandhla.

He was addressing a public rally in Shamli where he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 89 development projects worth more than Rs.581 crore across the Shamli, Thanabhawan and Kairana assembly constituencies.

The chief minister also announced the establishment of a new Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) battalion in Kairana, saying it would strengthen regional security while creating employment opportunities. ...