Parrikar evades questions after controversial 'deep assets' remark

He had said that some former PM's had 'compromised' country's 'deep assets'

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who kicked up a storm with his allegation that some former Prime Ministers had "compromised" the country's "deep assets", today refused to comment on Congress' demand for a public apology.

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. 

Congress had demanded that Parrikar give evidence to back his claim or tender a public apology.

Parrikar had made these remarks during an event in Mumbai while referring to the coast guard operation involving a boat coming from Pakistan.

He had said he did not give details about the incident as the source might be compromised.

"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.