Patna (Bihar) [India], April 13 (ANI): As Bharatiya Janata Party leaders paid their tributes to BR Ambedkar and started their 'Jai Bhim Pad Yatra' on Sunday on the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha highlighted how the country's youth are the 'warriors of new India,' as the country moves closer to celebrating 100 years of Independence.

'Today, the youth, the warriors of a new India, are laying the foundation for a strong and proud nation as we move towards the centenary of our independence under the leadership of the Prime Minister. This foundation, rooted in nationalism, will help build a resilient and united India, enhancing its global stature,' the Deputy Chief Minister told ANI after paying his tributes.

He further urged the Opposition parties to 'engage constructively' with the spirit of nationalism, and 'rise above dynastic politics,' in an apparent jibe towards Congress without naming the party.

'The Opposition must engage constructively with the spirit of nationalism, rise above dynastic politics and abandon any mindset that weakens the nation,' he said.

Earlier today, Union Minister Mansukh Mandviya, along with Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal and others paid tribute to Bharat Mata and Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar as they begin Jai Bhim Pad Yatra from Patna.

Ambedkar Jayanti will be celebrated on April 14.

'There is a program organised to have people respect the Constitution, learn from it and perform their duties. (PM) Modi in 2047, when the 100 year anniversary of independence will be celebrated then has envisioned a developed India (Viksit Bharat),' Mandviya told ANI while participating in the yatra.

BJP MLA Shreyasi Singh who participated in the 'Jai Bhim Padayatra' said she feels proud, given her party's respect for Babasaheb Ambedkar and his ideology. She added that the padayatra was being held to honour Ambedkar's legacy.

She told ANI, 'I pay my respects to him (Babasaheb Ambedkar)...The BJP government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has respected Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and his ideology. It makes me proud to be an Indian. This padayatra is being held to honour his legacy.' (ANI)