Former Karnataka Minister TB Jayachandra sparked a controversy on Friday after he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement during demonetisation, when he would not be stopped even if he is burnt alive, should be implemented.
Speaking on the sidelines of a protest against demonetisation in Tumakuru, Congress leader Jayachandra said, "Narendra Modi told us to give him 50 days to settle things (after demonetisation). He had asked people to set him on fire alive if he failed to overcome the test. Maybe the time has come to burn him alive, now that it has been proven that demonetisation has failed”.
Days after Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were demonetised, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Goa made an emotional plea in Goa in November 2016 where he said, “They thought if they pull my hair, I will stop and do nothing. I will not be cowed down. I will not stop doing these things, even if you burn me alive.”
The Congress party's state unit held protests against demonetisation in several districts, including in Tumakuru, where Jayachandra made the controversial remark against Prime Minister Modi.
The state BJP unit took note of Jayachandra's comments and called for the veteran Congress leader to step down.
"This is absolutely an outrageous statement by any parameter or standard. What is shocking is that such a despicable statement has come from Jayachandra, who has served as Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister in the state. I demand an explanation from KPCC chief Dinesh Gundu Rao on whether he endorses this statement," said BN Raghavendra, Joint Convenor State BJP Media.
Several BJP leaders in the state, including Leader of Opposition BS Yeddyurappa, criticised the Congress party and its leader for the remarks.
Senior leader of the Congress TB Jayachandra says that the "Time has come to burn Modi alive". Ironically, this man was the Law Minister in Siddaramaiah's cabinet. Yes, Law Minister!!
— Priti Gandhi (@MrsGandhi) November 9, 2018
Another point to be noted. No reaction coming in from the media. Not yet!
The BJP also confirmed that it is considering taking legal action against Jayachandra for his statement.