India, March 19 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday turned emotional and paused his speech briefly while remembering a late BJP leader who was hacked to death in 2013.

Addressing a public rally in Salem, Modi recalled three personalities related to the district, including the late BJP leader KN Lakshmanan.

However, he turned emotional while talking about 'Auditor' Ramesh.

"Today, I remember Auditor Ramesh," PM Modi said before pausing his speech for over a minute.

The crowd fell silent for a few seconds and then raised slogans in Modi's support.

Resuming his speech, PM Modi said, "Unfortunately, My Ramesh of Salem is not among us."

"Ramesh worked hard for the party, day and night and he was a good orator. But he was killed," ...