Shivamogga: Karnataka revenue minister Kagodu Thimmappa, 83, fainted and collapsed on Monday at the 70th Independence Day function in Malnad region, about 300 km from Bengaluru.

“After unfurling the tricolour at the official event in the Parade Ground, the minister fainted and fell down on the podium when he was about to address the gathering,” an official told IANS.

The octogenarian minister was lifted off the dais and rushed to a hospital where he regained consciousness and his condition is reported to be stable.

“Thimmappa fainted due to old age and exertion,” the official added.

Though the function was interrupted briefly, the district administration continued with the rest of the events, including the march past and cultural progammes.

The Congress lawmaker from Sagar was recently inducted into the cabinet after serving as speaker of the state legislative assembly for three years since May 2013 when the Congress returned to power.