Hyderabad, Nov. 15 -- Newly recruited constables in Madhya Pradesh have been instructed to read chapters from the Bhagavad Gita every evening during their training. The direction has led to political debate, with the Congress accusing the government of trying to "radicalise and saffronise" the police force.

Around 4,000 new constables are currently training at eight centres in the state. They have been ordered to read one chapter from the Gita every evening throughout the Hindu holy month of Margashirsha, the New Indian Express reported.

A video that has circulated online shows the trainees, wearing light blue shirts and dark trousers, the regular training uniform, chanting verses from the scripture together.

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