Parsekar defends Parrikar’s frequent visits to Goa

Panaji, Sep 20 (PTI) Taking a jibe at the Congress forits remarks over Manohar Parrikar frequenting the state, GoaChief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said being a DefenceMinister does not mean he should be "standing on the border." "He (Manohar Parrikar) is the Defence minister. But thatdoes not mean he should be standing on the border and shouldnot come to Goa," Parsekar said, reacting to the statement byCongress which dubbed Parrikar as a "part-time DefenceMinister". Parsekar said Congress is feeling the pinch ofdevelopmental works and schemes launched by BJP-led stategovernment due to which they are indulging in "cheap tactics". "We (BJP) have launched one social welfare scheme a monthduring last five years of our rule in the state. Let Congresscount and tell me how many such schemes they introduced duringtheir tenure," Parsekar said. He said the state government has been accepted wholeheartedly by the people and it would reflect in the results of2017 Goa Assembly elections. To a question, Parsekar said BJP is confident thatthe alliance with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) wouldcontinue in the upcoming assembly election. "We have been in alliance since last five years and itwill continue even in future. There is no question ofdiscontinuing it. Both the parties are like-minded andbelieve in working for the people of Goa," he added. PTI RPSDKKISRYS