The BJP in Goa attributed the credit of Indian Army’s capability to stand against China to former Defence Minister and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, with its spokesperson claiming that it was because Parrikar that India was able stand up to Beijing.
“Today, the Defence Ministry has forged so far ahead, we have seen it all. The direct result can be seen in Doklam in Sikkim, where we are prepared to take on a big country like China. All the credit should go to Parrikar bhai along with our PM Narendra Modi,” Dattaprasad Naik told a Press conference in Panaji, while claiming that Parrikar, who is contesting the Panaji Assembly by-election, would win with a thumping majority.
Attempts by China to build a road near Doklam plateau has been the cause of a prolonged stand-off between the Indian and Chinese Armies since June this year. The stand-off has sparked fears of armed hostility between the two neighbours, especially in view of rhetoric engaged by leaders of both countries.
Naik also credited Parrikar for the “surgical strikes” against Pakistan, following terror attacks on an Indian armed forces base. “Such a big surgical-strike against Pakistan was only possible because of Parrikar,” Naik said, while responding to allegations made by the Congress candidate for the Panaji seat Girish Chodankar, who had alleged that Parrikar had left the Defence Ministry in a hurry to rush to Goa to form a coalition Government.