JOIN USNewly appointed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday pitched for “time-bound completion” of tasks and assured the country that the government would, under no circumstances, “make any compromise” with the security of the nation.
Parrikar, who filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha here, told reporters that he would need some time to study the issues related to his ministry. “I may be defenceless against you (press) today (Monday) but the country will not be defenceless,” he said.
The former Goa chief minister also said he would learn Hindi soon.He would make sure that the tasks were completed on time and that there was no slackness in strengthening the defence forces.
Parrikar was earlier introduced to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators here before he filed his nomination papers. “I feel proud that I am getting an opportunity to serve a state, which has given so many top leaders to the country,” he said.
He also said he would use his skill and abilities to make contribution to the development of the state.The Congress, however, slammed the BJP for “importing” its nominee from outside. “The BJP has won 71 seats in the Lok Sabha elections from UP, yet it could not find a local nominee,” said Congress leader Dwijendra Tripathi.
Parrikar was the BJP nominee for a Rajya Sabha seat that the saffron party could win from the state. Polling, if required, for 10 Rajya Sabha seat in the state would be held on November 20. As of now, there are six nominees from the Samajwadi Party , two from the Bahujan Samaj Party and one each from the Congress and the BJP.