Row erupts over BSF's jurisdiction extension: Is Centre stepping on state's powers?

The BJP strongly defended the Centre's move to amend the BSF Act, saying this step is for the welfare of the border states, especially Punjab, to check smuggling of drugs and arms.

Many opposition parties, especially the Congress, which is in power in Punjab, has been opposing the Centre's move to authorise the Border Security Force (BSF) to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a larger 50 km stretch, instead of the existing 15 km.