Bangalore: Security personnel of the Legislative Assembly secretariat on Thursday took into custody a few activists of the Kannada Rakshana Vedike, who were witnessing the proceedings from the visitors' gallery, for shouting slogans in protest against Zameer Ahmed Khan taking oath in English while being sworn in as a Minister of State on Wednesday.

Members in the Assembly raised the issue in the morning. Kannada Chaluvali leader Vatal Nagaraj and G.V. Srirama Reddy (CPI-M) said that the way in which Mr. Khan took the oath was unconstitutional. He should have taken his oath in Kannada, which was the official language of the State, they said and demanded his resignation.

Whisked away

But, even as Opposition members were speaking on the issue and the Minister was trying to allay their concerns, some activists of the vedike started shouting slogans against his "anti-Kannada attitude." They also flung Kannada flags to the shock of the members in the House. The activists were immediately whisked away by security personnel.

Mr. Khan clarified that he could not speak or write Kannada or Urdu as he had studied in English-medium institutions. He also said he had no animosity towards Kannada and assured the House that he would try to speak the language.

Seed supply

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition N. Dharam Singh moved an adjournment motion for a discussion on the failure of the Government to distribute sufficient quantity of subsidised seeds and fertilizers to farmers, who were eager to start sowing with the onset of the monsoon.

He demanded immediate action to ensure adequate supply in all the districts.

K. Srinivasa Gowda (Congress) made a preliminary submission. Araga Jnanendra (BJP) spoke on the issue.

But Speaker Krishna disallowed the motion and ruled that the subject could be discussed under Rule 69.

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