Bengaluru: Food and Civil Supplies Minister Umesh Katti has come under scathing criticism for allegedly asking a farmer to “go die”, on a phone conversation here on Wednesday April 28.

The audio conversation has gone viral throughout the state.

“Sir, you’ve now made 2 kg of rice (in PDS). What makes you think it’ll be enough for us? “The farmer had inquired about it. The farmer objected to the minister’s response that the government is also providing 3 kilos of raagi because it is not accessible in north Karnataka. Minister Katti said that the government is distributing rendered jowar and rice in North Karnataka.

This was how the conversation went then:

Farmer: Sir, will that be sufficient? Lockdown now and we don’t earn our livelihood. Will that be sufficient, Sir?
Minister: Every month, the Central Government is giving 5 kg (wheat or rice) during the lockdown. In the month of May and June…
Farmer: When are you giving?
Minister: Next month.
Farmer: Till then, should we starve or die?
Minister: It is better to die. Actually, that is the reason we have stopped giving. Please don’t call me.

Many people were shocked by the minister’s response and suggested that Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa ask him to resign immediately.

Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar tweeted in response of this statement stated “BJP Minister Umesh Katti has abused a citizen & asked him to ‘go die’ just because he asked him why Karnataka Govt has cut Rice under PDS to just 2 kgs! CM @BSYBJP must immediately throw him out of the cabinet for this most insensitive statement. Does this Govt have any shame?”