Opp wants me to retire, but I won’t: Parrikar
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 13 December 2015 20:39 IST
“Opposition wants me to retire, but I will not until l complete the responsibility I have taken”, said defence minister Manohar Parrikar, putting an end to the controversy which he started few days ago.
Even at 60, Goa’s undisputable leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party however did not make it clear which responsibility he is referring to.
Parrikar was felicitated today amidst the crowd of thousands of people who came in hundreds of buses arranged by the party by mobilising over a month.
“This crowd of 50,000 people are like seven slaps on the face of the Congress. I don’t need Congress certificate for the work I have put in politics”, he said, referring to the opposition to celebrate his birthday.
The ruling BJP had reacted sharply to the Congress criticism of having a mega bash on Parrikar’s birthday when Chennai floods had created havoc.
“Don’t tell me about Chennai. I had immediately put Army and Navy into relief operations and they saved lots of lives. The whole country knows it”, said the defence minister in ‘defence’.
He also blamed the opposition for misquoting his statement on retirement which, he said, was referring only about the system of retiring at 60 and not his plans to retire.
He also assured that, though in Delhi, his attention would always at Goa and to bring developmental projects.
“With our new policy of Make in India, there are several projects in the pipeline and some of it could also benefit Goa”, he said.
One such project, he said, is the Defence Expo, which is a five-day exhibition of military equipment of international companies.
It is just like 10-day IFFI, he said, which would ultimately benefit Goa and Goans in terms of getting good business in March, the off season to the tourist state.
He also said that the decision to shift Defence Expo outside Delhi was taken during Congress regime, he though it could benefit Goa like IFFI.
He also publicly thanked surface transport minister Nitin Gadkari for approving several projects like Zuari, Mandovi and Talpona-Galgibag-Mashem bridges as well as four and six lane highways passing through Goa.
While work order of three bridges of Canacona has already been issued, Goa’s former chief minister said the work of Zuari bridge would also begin within three months.
Making a speech eying on the forthcoming Assembly election one year ahead, Parrikar also appealed to the people to continue their love towards the BJP and its allies.
“I know some of our ministers and MLAs have made a mistake, but to err is human and I am sure you will understand it”, he said.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh and surface transport minister Nitin Gadkari also attended the function besides Goa’s chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar, his cabinet, MLAs, North Goa MP Shripad Naik and organisational leaders.
Businessmen Srinivas Dempo and Victor Albuquerque, who were part of the reception committee, were also seated on the dais.
@Hjla. I do work for my living and don't have to rely on crumbs.
Patrao Justin, where do you go to gather your share of crumbs?
The chameleon of Goa celebrated his birthday with great pomp and gaiety. The Monkey of Goa was the main man to organize the birthday celebration. The Hyenas from Delhi were specially flown to feast on ead cows and 50000 Goan Ants were present to clean up the leftover. City of Panjim was trasformed into a Zoo.
@d. jUSTIN , somewhere on Mars,
Likewise, those 50,000 folks earn their living by handwork and don't rely on anybody's leftovers!