Daijiworld Media Network - Mysore (SP)

Mysore, Feb 9: Because of communication gap, sugarcane growers who had gathered at the office of the deputy commission here for a meeting, observed a minute's silence in honour of the ex-Prime Minister after their leader Kurubur Shanthakumar informed them that their meeting was cancelled by the deputy commissioner on account of the death of the said ex-Prime Minister and BJP leader.

A meeting of the cane growers had been convened at 12 noon on Saturday February 7, by the district deputy commissioner Manivannan. When the farmers came there, the deputy commissioner was not present in his office. President of the State Cane Growers Association Kurubur Shantakumar said that he and some other farmers had gone to the residence of the deputy commissioner, who was on leave. There, he added, the deputy commissioner informed them of the death of Vajpayee. Therefore, he announced the matter to other farmers, he claimed. He also expressed his regret about this faux-paus.

Deputy Commissioner Manivannan said that he had cancelled all his engagements due to ill health. When he was speaking to some farmers at home, a friend from New Delhi called, he said. "Over telephone, we spoke about the delicate health of Vajpayee and the need to be ready with a standby protocol, which the farmers misunderstood,” he clarified.

As soon as this news spread, BJP workers mobbed the residence of the deputy commissioner and expressed their anger. Addressing them, Manivannan said that he has great respect for Vajpayee and that he had spoken on the issue with the chief minister. He told them that he never attended office that day and that it was a case of misunderstanding.