Why did defence minister Manohar Parrikar skip launch event of Freedom 251 smartphone?

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Noida-based firm Ringing Bells launched the Freedom 251 at a high-profile function last night.

The launch event was attended by BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi along with Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Om Prakash Saklecha.

However, Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar, who was expected to be the chief guest, could not make it to the event at Nehru Park.

Parrikar could not make it due to "cabinet meeting", the event's organisers said.

Freedom 251, hailed as India's most affordable smartphone was launched at just Rs 251.

The 3G handset, Freedom 251, features a 4-inch display, Qualcomm 1.3-GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB RAM.

The Android Lollipop-based handset has an onboard storage of 8 GB with support for expandable memory of up to 32 GB. It features a 3.2-MP rear and a 0.3-MP front facing camera and a 1,450-mAh battery.