Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam has come out with his stand on the row over a photograph showing him at the funeral of Pulwama martyr V.V. Vasanthakumar. Replying to the allegation that he had clicked a selfie at the solemn function, Kannanthanam said that he, in fact, has never taken a selfie in his life.
Alphons Kannanthanam at the funeral | Facebook
The photo was snapped by someone in the crowd while he was moving away after paying his last respects to the CRPF soldier, said the minister. “Later, the picture was sent by that person to my office handling the social media,” he explained on Facebook.
In his post, the minister reminded everyone that he was engaged in selfless public service for the last 40 years. “I am aware of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers and their dedication as my father too served in the defence services,” Kannanthanam wrote. “Youths as well as others, instead of creating needless controversies, should concentrate their energies on nation building in selfless manner.”
“It is obvious that the picture was shot from a distance,” Kannanthanam said. “It was shot by somebody who was present there. My media secretary put it on Facebook and then the miscreants shared it with comments aimed at creating the impression that I clicked a selfie in front of the coffin.”
Kannanthanam has filed a petition with the Deputy General of Police, Kerala seeking action against those who spread false news. “Unless these vicious criminal vultures are brought to book, the integrity of the country and the society will be at stake,” he added.
With inputs from Mini Thomas
