Manohar Parrikar's remarks during a rally for the 2017 Goa elections had triggered a controversy.
Highlights
- Defence Minister had made the remarks at an election rally near Panaji
- 'Accept money from any party but vote for BJP', said the minister
- Delhi Chief Minister also triggered a row after making similar statement
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has been asked by the Election Commission to explain by Friday his controversial remarks during campaigning for the upcoming elections in Goa in which he appeared to tell people that they could accept money from any political party but should vote for the BJP.
On Sunday, the minister had told a small crowd at Chimbel near Panaji: "...I understand if someone organises a rally and you take Rs 500 for moving around with (the candidate), that is not a problem. But when you vote, choose the lotus (BJP's poll symbol). This you must remember."
The Election Commission had ordered the police to file a First Information Report or FIR against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, after he stoked row with a similar statement.
At a rally in Goa's Benaulim earlier this month, Mr Kejriwal had said: "If Congress or BJP candidates offer money, do not refuse it. Accept it as your own money. But when it comes to voting, press the button against the name of the AAP candidate."
But in an apparent correction on Monday, Mr Parrikar said, "I want to say this to you: please do not fall for any greed. Voting is a pure deed... The government is for the next generation. So, while electing a government, you have to decide what the coming government will give us."
Regional party Goa Forward however registered a complaint with the Election Commission, saying that if action is being taken against Mr Kejriwal for similar comments, the Defence Minister should not be spared.
In several tweets, the Delhi Chief Minister also dared the Election Commission to take action against Mr Parrikar. On Tuesday, he also posted a video of the minister's comments.
"Will EC dare take action against Manohar Parrikar?" Mr Kejriwal said in tweets, adding, "I urge PMO to allow EC to act against Parrikar."
The Congress also demanded action against Mr Parrikar.
Goa will vote on February 4 for a new 40-seat assembly.