Let Modi die if he wants power, says Rayareddy

“Let (prime minister) Modi die if he wants power,” said Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy.
The minister said this in Kannada while replying to a question on the removal of red beacons.

“I welcome the measure and I also suggest that my security cover too be withdrawn. But Modi too should get rid of his security cover,” Rayareddy told reporters in Koppal on Friday.

When reminded that Modi was facing threat to his life, Rayareddy replied: “Let him die.” He immediately clarified that he did not mean Modi. Later, the minister said people in power should desist from having a thick security blanket around them. “But it is left to their discretion. The government itself has made rules in this regard. If the rules are changed, they should be complied with.”

The minister said that he does not fear for his life and would go to the extent of refusing even government vehicle. “I am prepared to walk. If necessary, I will travel in my own car. If someone wants to kill me, let it be so. I will not even draw salary,” Rayareddy said.

Reacting strongly to Rayareddy’s comments, the state BJP asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remove him from the Cabinet.