Why should I remove it, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on red beacon

Bengaluru: While several dignitaries and government officials have removed red or blue lights from their official vehicles, it appears that Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has not taken the Centre's ban on red beacons seriously.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah today refused to remove red beacons from his official car when he was quizzed by a reporter regarding the Centre's ban on red lights.

Why should I remove? he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Why should I remove? It is to be removed from May 1st: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on red beacon pic.twitter.com/ax2KOapfXb

— ANI (@ANI_news) April 25, 2017

The Karnataka Chief Minister, however, corrected himself quickly and said, ''It is to be removed from May 1st.''

Karnataka Congress veteran initially appeared to be unaware of the Centre's order for removing red beacons from vehicles of officials, ministers and Chief Ministers of states.

The CM reportedly asked one of his staff members as to why red beacon was being removed. 

In a significant decision, the Union Cabinet had recently announced to end the use of red beacons on top of the vehicles used by government officials and dignitaries. 

This decision was taken on April 19, 2017, with the aim of putting an end to the “VIP culture”. 

The use of these “lal battis” will be banned from May 1, 2017.