Manohar Parrikar a motormouth Defence Minister: Congress

NEW DELHI: Congress today hit out at Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over his "no first use nuclear policy" remarks, and dubbed him as a "motormouth" who makes irresponsible statements.

"You have a motormouth Defence Minister who is irresponsible in every manner," Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said.

Sharma was responding to a question when asked to comment on Parriakar's remarks that India should not adhere to no first use of nuclear weapons.

Parrikar yesterday wondered why India cannot say "we are a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly" instead of affirming a "no first use policy", remarks he said were personal in nature.

"Why should I bind myself? I should say I am a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly. This is my (personal) thinking," Parrikar said at a function, as he explained the need to be unpredictable in warfare strategy.

Following the nuclear weapons test in 1998, India had declared a "no first use" nuclear policy.