New Delhi, April 30 -- Union Minister of State for Railway Ministry V. Somanna on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key leaders involved in installing and unveiling the statue of 12th-century social reformer Guru Basaveshwara at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament complex. The event marked the celebration of Basava Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the 12th-century philosopher, statesman, and Kannada poet.

While speaking to ANI, Somanna said, "I want to thank Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Karnataka's leader Pralhad Joshi ji...this is a historic decision...I thank PM also."

Earlier in the day, several ministers, including Rajya Sabha Deputy Speaker Harivansh Nar...