Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar did an Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday when he told residents of a slum near here that it is okay to accept Rs 500 from candidates to attend rallies, but they should cast votes for the BJP only.
"...I understand if someone organises a rally and you take Rs 500 for moving around with (the candidate), that is not a problem. But when you vote, choose the lotus (BJP's poll symbol). This you must remember," Parrikar told the corner meeting at Chimbel, a suburb of the state capital.
His advice came on a day when the Election Commission directed the state poll officials to file a FIR against Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal for making a similar statement.
Kejriwal, in his public speeches in Goa earlier this month, had asked people to accept money give by rival parties, but vote for the Aam Aadmi Party.
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
)