LCA Tejas introduced because of my efforts: Parrikar

The Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) of the Indian Air Force has been introduced because of his efforts when he was Defence Minister, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Saturday, stating that the project was "not going anywhere" before he assumed charge of the ministry in 2014.

"Lot of things have been done during my tenure as a Defence Minister... Make in India for example was one of the best. Tejas fighter aircraft has been introduced because of my efforts. It was not going anywhere. It was stuck up. Fighter helicopter version has been developed during my tenure," Parrikar said at a function held in the state capital to mark the launch of the state Information Technology policy.

The Chief Minister also said that his elevation as the Defence Minister in 2014 when he was already functioning as the CM of the coastal state, was perhaps a temporary assignment, but added that his most important achievement were the surgical strikes on India's eastern and western fronts.

"...the most important aspect was the surgical strikes, both sides. That was a decision which was required. Of course, the surgical strikes have been carried out by armed forces, but the political decision, with help and support of the Prime Minister was required. Extensive planning was required. My specialty came into that. So I have done my duty for the nation," the former Defence Minister said.

Parrikar also said that he had executed his job as a Defence Minister "pretty well", but added that a plum Delhi posting was never his calling.

"But I think when it came to matters of Goa, I decided that my destination is Goa. Right from the beginning I never thought of going to Delhi. I was asked to come there and I did my job pretty well. I am satisfied with it," the Chief Minister said.

--IANS

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