New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) As part of the week-long celebrations leading up to India’s 80th Independence Day, the Delhi BJP on Monday organised a “Tiranga Yatra” through the streets of Old Delhi near the historic Red Fort under the leadership of State President Harsh Malhotra, a party leader said.

Malhotra said, “From this sacred land of Chandni Chowk, close to the Red Fort, I extend my greetings to all of you, patriotic citizens.”

“Today, we are taking out a ‘Tiranga Yatra’, and what could be a greater matter of pride than the fact that this Yatra is beginning from Old Delhi? The Red Fort in Old Delhi is not merely made of bricks and stones; it is from here that the Prime Minister addresses the nation every August 15. The call for independence was announced from here, and every inch of Old Delhi is steeped in sacrifice and self-respect,” he said.

The march began from Chandni Chowk’s Town Hall and concluded at Hauz Qazi, passing through a route decorated with tricolour flags and ceremonial arches, reflecting the spirit of communal harmony. Many school students also participated in the “Tiranga Yatra”, said a party statement

Thousands of workers joined the “Tiranga Yatra” along with Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal. Several local business and civic organisations set up platforms at various points along the route to welcome and felicitate Malhotra, Khandelwal and all the participants of the march.

The “Tiranga Yatra”, organised under the coordination of Chandni Chowk District President Arvind Garg, was attended by State Vice President Rajesh Bhatia, Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Yuva Morcha President Rajat Chaudhary, former Mayor Jai Prakash, Municipal Councillors Suman Kumar Gupta, Usha Sharma, Vikas Tank, Vikesh Sethi and Sushil Jonty, Co-Office Secretary Amit Gupta, District Office Bearers Raja Khari, Ashok Sharma, Raj Deepti Indora, Ashok Tomar, Rohit Sharma, Charu Soni, Naveen Gupta, Rekha Sharma, Asha Verma, among others.

Addressing the participants of the Yatra as well as the citizens and traders of Old Delhi who had gathered along the route, Harsh Malhotra and Praveen Khandelwal extended their greetings and best wishes on the occasion of Independence Day.

Malhotra said the identity of Old Delhi is its ‘Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb’. In Old Delhi, the sound of temple bells and the azaan from mosques resonate together. In Chandni Chowk, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians celebrate festivals and share sweets, and this unity represents the true spirit of our national Tricolour.

“Let us carry this legacy forward with the resolve of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’. Let there be no compromise when it comes to the honour of the Tricolour and the unity of our nation,” he said.

Khandelwal said, “My heartfelt greetings to all the patriotic workers and citizens who have joined the Tiranga Yatra on the historic land of Chandni Chowk.

The Tricolour is a symbol of our honour, pride and glory, and Independence Day reminds us of the martyrs who sacrificed everything for the nation, he said.

–IANS

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