Union Minister V Somanna apologises for 'homage to Advani' gaffe

Union Minister V Somanna on Saturday faced an embarrassing moment when he fell prey for fake news about BJP veteran Lalkrishna Advani’s death and offered condolence and two-minute silence.

The gaffe happened during an event organised by BJP-JD(S) workers to felicitate the Union minister and Tumkur MP here. Apparently misled by local BJP workers, Somanna announced the postponement of the programme and observed a two-minute silence.  

Soon, the minister realised his mistake, offered a public apology and left the meeting in a hurry. Bangalore Rural BJP MP Dr C N Manjunath also fell prey to the fake news about Advani’s death. At a felicitation programme in Kunigal, the MP asked the meeting, attended by former minister D Nagarajaiah, D Krishnakumar and hundreds of BJP and JD(S) workers, to observe a minute silence to pay homage to the departed soul. After learning that the news was a hoax and that Advani is fine, the MP regretted falling for fake news about Advani’s death.