To reporters' query, he simply retorted "Why should I remove the red beacon." When reporters pointed out at the missing beacon, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was surprised and shocked. Irked, he asked his staff about it to which they informed him about the Central government's order.
The Union government had recently banned red beacons atop cars of government officials and ministers. The move also aims to put an end to red beacons on vehicles ferrying prime minister, chief minister and state and central ministers. The ban also applies to judges of supreme courts and high courts’ cars.