‘New responsibility based on my past performance’

PANAJI: Outgoing Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who is being inducted as a union minister, has said his elevation to Centre has many dynamics related to it. Excerpts from an interview:

You are being elevated as the union minister, probably as defence minister. What are the challenges facing the country?

The BJP had given assurances of development and speedy governance to the country. We will have to keep our promises and it would be the main challenge before us. My elevation as an union minister is with the expectations of performance on administrative level. I am not aware about the portfolio being allotted to me, but I will continue to work hard in ensuring speedy and transparent governance.

There is also a buzz that you may be given the responsibility of home ministry.

I am not aware of the portfolio, but it is for sure that the responsibility of home ministry is just a speculation.

What challenges does the country face in the area of defence?

We need to raise the level of procurement, investment in the equipment related to the defence. All the defence forces should be in such a position that other countries remain wary of us.

It has been said that you played key role in electing Parsekar as your successor?

No. I was very neutral in this entire process. The decision was taken unanimously after consulting all party MLAs.

Do you think your cordial relationship with Modi is the reason behind your elevation?

It is true that we share good relations and have known each other since the years we were general secretaries of the party. But the new responsibility given to me is based on my performance in the posts I held so far.