Parrikar should focus on India's defence: Congress

 The Congress on Monday accused Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar of ignoring his ministerial responsibilities and instead spending his time in campaigning for BJP-sponsored candidates for the municipal polls which concluded on Sunday.

"The ruling BJP had to get Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to campaign for local municipal elections and at the same time it is shocking that India's Defence Minister actually has the time to campaign for such polls. Question is does he spare enough time for such a sensitive portfolio," Sunil Kawthankar said.

Results of the poll for the state's 11 municipal councils will be declared on Tuesday.

The BJP, meanwhile, refuted the charge that Parrikar actively campaigned for the municipal poll.

"The defence minister was not campaigning for the poll. He was only interacting with the workers, who get inspired by Manohar Parrikar's presence," BJP state president Vinay Tendulkar said, responding to the Congress's charge.

Both Parrikar, as well as union minister of state for AYUSH Shripad Naik campaigned for the BJP-backed candidates. - IANS