New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar took a dig at his predecessor AK Antony, saying though he had a clean image, it was not reflected in defence procurement during his time.
"I agree that Antony may have a clean image that does not mean the reflection of cleanliness in the actual procurement," Parrikar said yesterday when asked about the delay in defence procurement during the UPA regime.
Asserting that NDA government will bring in transparency in defence purchases and ensure speedy procurement, he said, "There is no solution only by remaining honest."
Parrikar also spoke about the illegal practice of commissioning in defence deals in the past.
"I have been told that there have been hundreds of people in Delhi who by becoming defence agents acquired lavish bungalows," he said.
When asked as to why he chooses to travel on commercial flights instead of using his official aircraft, Parrikar said he does not want to waste national resources.
He, however, added that when he feels there is a need to travel in an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, he will use it. Defence Ministers usually use the IAF Embraer aircraft for domestic flights.
"I do not believe that simplicity can be an election campaign like many people have been doing it. I will not do it. It is only your trend and nature. That does not qualify you as a good administrator or a bad administrator," he said at an event in Delhi.
