<p>Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today refused to comment over Congress' demand to tender a public apology over his statements on some former Prime Ministers compromising country's "deep assets".</p>.<p><br />Parrikar, who was in Panaji to accompany party's official candidate Siddharth Cuncolienkar to file nominations for the by-poll, ducked questions on the issue and remained tight-lipped.<br /><br />The Minister had kicked up a storm with his allegations that some former Prime ministers had "compromised" the country's "deep assets".<br /><br />Congress had demanded that he should give evidence to back his claim or tender a public apology.<br /><br />Parrikar had made these remarks during an event in Mumbai while referring to the coast guard operation involving a boat coming from Pakistan.</p>.<p><br />He had said he did not give details about the incident as the source might be compromised.<br />"After all, you have to build deep assets. Deep assets are created over 20-30 years. Sadly, there were some Prime Ministers who compromised deep assets," he had said.<br />Congress yesterday called the charge serious and demanded a public apology. </p>
<p>Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today refused to comment over Congress' demand to tender a public apology over his statements on some former Prime Ministers compromising country's "deep assets".</p>.<p><br />Parrikar, who was in Panaji to accompany party's official candidate Siddharth Cuncolienkar to file nominations for the by-poll, ducked questions on the issue and remained tight-lipped.<br /><br />The Minister had kicked up a storm with his allegations that some former Prime ministers had "compromised" the country's "deep assets".<br /><br />Congress had demanded that he should give evidence to back his claim or tender a public apology.<br /><br />Parrikar had made these remarks during an event in Mumbai while referring to the coast guard operation involving a boat coming from Pakistan.</p>.<p><br />He had said he did not give details about the incident as the source might be compromised.<br />"After all, you have to build deep assets. Deep assets are created over 20-30 years. Sadly, there were some Prime Ministers who compromised deep assets," he had said.<br />Congress yesterday called the charge serious and demanded a public apology. </p>