Remembering a late leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Tamil Nadu, who was hacked to death in 2013, senior party leader Narendra Modi became emotional on March 19 and interrupted his speech for a brief period.
While addressing a public meeting in Salem, Modi recalled three personalities associated with the district, including late BJP leader KN Lakshmanan.
But when he talked about 'Auditor' Ramesh, he got emotional. He said, as quoted by Hindustani times, “Today I remember Auditor Ramesh.” Then he paused for a minute.
However, the crowd fell silent for a few seconds and then shouted slogans in support of Modi.
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Prime Minister Modi resumed his speech and said, “Unfortunately, my Ramesh of Salem is not with us.”
“Ramesh worked hard day and night for the party and he was a good orator. But he was killed,” he added while paying tribute to the late BJP leader.
Besides, Narendra Modi also paid rich tributes to late Lakshmanan, recalling his contributions to the growth of the party in Tamil Nadu.
“Lakshmanan ji's role in the anti-relief movement and participation in socio-cultural activities will always be remembered. His contribution to the expansion of the BJP in the state is unforgettable. He also established many schools in the state,” he added.
Turning his focus to the southern region, Modi led rallies in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Monday as part of efforts to drum up support for NDA candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Who was 'auditor' Ramesh?
V Ramesh, an accountant by profession, was a Salem-based State General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party. On July 19, 2013, he was attacked with sharp weapons by unknown assailants near his home. The 52-year-old BJP leader had gone to his office around 9 pm to discuss party matters and was attacked by four persons while returning to his residence, police said.
Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat at the time and he inquired about the murder.
Following Ramesh's killing, tensions erupted in the region when protesters stoned five government buses and authorities had to declare a holiday in schools.
According to a HT According to the report, Narendra Modi, the face of the BJP as Prime Minister, did not express any praise for the then Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa in October 2013, during his rally in Tiruchi. State BJP leaders said Modi was not too happy with the state government over the lack of progress in the investigation into the murder of accountant Ramesh.
With input from authorities.
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Published: Mar 19, 2024 7:27 PM IST