Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Sunday defended his presence in Goa to attend a book release despite the escalating violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
Parrikar faced criticism on social media as well as from the opposition in Goa for attending a book release event in Panaji hours after the Dec 5 attacks in Kashmir that left 21 people dead.
"There are some who said I should be in Kashmir. If I am in Kashmir, the army will have to spend energy on taking care of me," he told reporters at a press conference Sunday on the outskirts of Panaji.
On Friday, after a photograph on Twitter showed the defence minister releasing Rajdeep Sardesai's new book "2014: The Election that Changed India", many Twitter users criticised the former Goa chief minister for not being serious about his brief as the defence minister.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app