Panaji, May 10 – Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday paid tribute to former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, crediting him with bolstering India’s defence infrastructure, and criticized the Congress for years of alleged neglect in the security domain.
BJP Praises Parrikar's Tenure as Defence Minister
Speaking to reporters, Goa BJP president Damodar Naik said, “Parrikar was one of the strongest defence ministers who cemented our defence sector. Crucial purchases like Rafael jets, jackets for the armed forces, and basic essentials such as helmets took place during his tenure.”Naik emphasized that Parrikar’s time as Defence Minister, from October 2014 to March 2017, was marked by significant reforms and acquisitions that laid the groundwork for a modernized military force. “We cannot do without saluting late Manohar Parrikar,” he added.
Modi Government’s Role in Modernising Defence
The BJP leader also lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the ongoing conflict. “I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces. The entire country is rallying behind the PM in this action against terrorism,” he said.Naik asserted that the defence sector only witnessed meaningful financial and strategic advancements after the BJP came to power. “It was only after the Modi-led government came to power that the financial allocation to the defence sector increased and the era of modernisation began,” he said.
Sharp Criticism of Congress on National Security
Criticizing the Congress for its previous governance, Naik alleged that successive Congress-led administrations had neglected the country’s security needs. He said the party failed to prioritize the defence sector, resulting in prolonged vulnerabilities.He concluded by stating that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism must be decisively uprooted to ensure long-term peace in the region.
The BJP’s remarks come at a time when national security and military preparedness are under heightened public and political focus.