'Won't talk about defence in Goa rallies to avoid controversy'

Accusing the national media of "misrepresenting" his statements, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said that he would not speak on defence issues in the upcoming poll-related rallies in Goa to avoid "unnecessary controversies".
"I am not an expert on giving speeches. Whatever I speak, I do it from heart. But sometimes that creates unnecessary controversies," he said addressing 'Vijay Sankalp' rally at Shiroda village, where Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was also present.
"I have decided that I will not speak on India's defence here (in Vijay Sankalp rallies). Whatever I speak in Konkani, they translate it into English and misrepresent the facts. It changes the entire meaning," he said.

"National media does not understand Konkani, that is why they translate it virtually. Some well-wishers advised me not to speak on defence-related issues in the rally and also some opponents criticised my statements," he said.
Last week, Parrikar had made a series of statements on Pakistan and defence issues.
"India did not seek war, but would gouge out eyes of the enemy if provoked," he had said last Saturday while addressing a rally in Aldona Assembly constituency in Goa.
In June 2015, Parrikar, often in news for his off-the-cuff statements inviting criticism and ridicule, had said that he would not speak to media for six months.