After Centre's decision, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Palaniswami removed the red beacon from his car
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami today removed the red beacon light from his car and said late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had set 'an example' by avoiding its use while heading the state.
A day after Narender Modi's cabinet took decision to bar all central and state governments officials including prime minister and chief ministers to use rea beacon, Mr Palaniswami has decided to follow the orders by removing the red beacon light from his car at the state Secretariat.
"I have removed the red beacon light from my car," he said. Tamil Nadu Ministers and officials will also remove the lights from their vehicles.
He recalled late Ms Jayalalithaa had not used the red beacon light as Chief Minister.
"Amma (Jayalalithaa) set an example to others by not using the red beacon light in her vehicles when she was Chief Minister," chief minister added.
The Union cabinet had yesterday decided to prohibit all vehicles, except emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire brigade, from using the beacon lights from first of May.
The decision covered the vehicles of President, Prime Minister, state Chief Ministers and others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said these 'symbols are out of touch with the spirit of new India'.
The government said the vehicles with beacon lights, which are seen as a symbol of VIP culture, 'have no place in a democratic country'.
"After May 1, no one will be able to put red light atop his/her vehicle. Blue light will be used only for emergency vehicles in the country...Neither the states nor the Centre will have power to give any special permission (for use of beacon lights)," Finance Minister Arun Jaitely had said.