Team Herald
PANJIM: Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday clarified that the decision to make Goa as permanent venue for Defexpo and Aero India shows was taken way back in 2013 and not under his leadership.
“The decision to shift the Defexpo and Aero India show was taken even before I took over as Union Minister,” Parrikar said adding “in 2013 Goa was short-listed for holding these shows”.
The Union minister said that the decision was taken after authorities made it clear that Pragati Maidan (New Delhi) would not be made available to host the show after 2014. “I have no role to play in the decision…the base of decision was long back,” he clarified.
Parrikar said that the shows would have greater participation in Goa.
Herald had informed how State government through Goa Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has allotted 150 acres (6 lakh sq mtrs) of land for the purpose at Naqueri in Betul-Quepem in South Goa to Union Defence Ministry.
Parrikar was speaking during ‘man-o-logue’ organized by the Rotary Club of Panaji. He was interviewed by the Senior editor of India Today Group Gaurav Sawant.
Defending his regular weekend visits to Goa, Union Minister said that being his political roots in Goa, he cannot disconnect itself. “This is my place of birth and my family stays here,” he said.
“Though, at present I am an MP from Uttar Pradesh, my political roots are in Goa and the politician who do not keep in touch with their root, cannot be called as a politician,” Parrikar commented.
He also specified that he never leaves any work pending in the Ministry before coming to Goa.
On the occasion, the former Panjim MLA announced to adopt his own Parra village to develop as a model village.
