Fake news of Sumitra Mahajan’s death goes viral; Shashi Tharoor tweets condolence

Team Udayavani, Apr 23, 2021, 11:33 AM IST

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday (April 22) fell prey to rumours claiming demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Rumors on the death of Mahajan began circulating at around 11 pm, following which Tharoor in a tweet expressed his condolences. Apart from Tharoor, a few media houses too reported her demise as breaking news.

Tharoor later deleted his tweet after BJP leaders pointed out that Mahajan was absolutely fine.

In another tweet, the senior Congress leader apologised for falling for fake news said he was relieved that Mahajan is doing fine.

“I am relieved if that is so. I received this from what I thought was a reliable source. Happy to retract & appalled that anyone would make up such news,” Tharoor said in another tweet.

Responding to Vijayvargiya tweet, Tharoor said, “Thanks @kailashOnline. I have deleted my tweet. I wonder what motivates people to invent and spread such evil news that takes in people. My best wishes for Sumitra ji’s health and long life.”

Thanks @kailashOnline. I have deleted my tweet. I wonder what motivates people to invent and spread such evil news that takes in people. My best wishes for Sumitra ji’s health and long life.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 22, 2021

Rajesh Aggarwal, a close aide of the former Lok Sabha speaker, told PTI that Mahajan was admitted to the Bombay hospital in Indore on Wednesday after she had a mild fever.

“She is fine now and does not have a fever. She was also tested for COVID and her RT-PCR report has come negative,” he said.