Now, Manohar Parrikar becomes ardent Narendra Modi follower, goes Aam Aadmi way

Panaji, Nov 13: The new Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar continues to maintain a simple life even after becoming the Defence Minister of the country. Parrikar, who was very down to earth during his tenure as Goa CM, believes in simplicity and maintains a life of an aam aadmi (common man).

Parrikar on Wednesday, Nov 12 travelled in economy class in a flight while visiting Goa for the first time after joining the Union Cabinet. He was quoted as saying, "I have not taken Z security cover in Goa. I would prefer to go around with minimum security. But in Delhi while travelling I have to take the security cover." [Manohar Parrikar: Know more about the technocrat-turned politician]

Continuing his statement, he also added, "I will take the special aircraft only when I am visiting areas like Siachen, Twang or Kashmir. I won't use the special aircraft on the day-to-day basis."

Earlier the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra -- Devendra Fadnavis too refused to travel in chartered flight and took Jet Airways flight. Fadnavis did pay for his own ticket while travelling in an economy class.

I won't use the special aircraft on the day-to-day basis: Manohar Parrikar

Both Fadnavis and Parrikar have been following the path shown by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM earlier asked his cabinet ministers and bureaucrats at the centre to avoid travelling in first class.[Read: Maha CM Fadnavis cuts costs to govt, takes economy class flight to Nagpur, pays for tickets]

He also claimed that government functions should not be held in five-star hotels. The Prime Minister had clearly stated that bureaucrats should forego luxury seats in planes and should also pay for their spouses.

OneIndia News