Pandemonium in Assembly over language issue

The Karnataka Assembly today witnessed pandemonium over the language issue as the ruling party and Opposition members raised objections against a Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi (MES) member addressing the House in Hindi after his failed attempt to do so in Marathi.

Members, cutting across party lines, protested when Belgaum MLA Sambhaji Patil first attempted to speak in Marathi and then switched to Hindi. "The Constitution of India has given an opportunity for legislators to speak in any language of his choice," he said, requesting Speaker K Thimappa to allow him to speak in Hindi.

Amid the din, Thimappa intervened and requested the members to allow him to speak in Hindi as this right was enshrined in the Constitution. "The legislator has every right to speak in any language. Don't we address issues in Hindi in Lok Sabha? Allow him to speak, it is his right," he added.

However, former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar (BJP) countered this, saying the MES legislator should learn to speak in Kannada despite having the right to speak in Hindi. Former minister Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri (BJP) said one could speak in any language at home but legislators should address public issues in the state language.

Later, Patil along with another MES leader and Khanapur MLA staged a walkout from the House. MES, which seeks to represent Marathi speaking people in Belgaum district, claims that Belgaum should belong to Maharashtra, a stand that often puts them at conflict with state political parties.

The Assembly, earlier, paid rich tributes to cricket legend eminent scientist C N R Rao and Sachin Tendulkar on being awarded Bharat Ratna.

Siddaramaiah said, CNR Rao richly deserves Bharat Ratna and this has brought laurels to the country, especially Karnataka. Kumaraswamy said Rao has brought honour and pride by his achievements in scientific field.

"On several occasions, Rao has shown commitment to Karnataka and this quality I hope should be reflected in each one of us." Shettar said, adding the central and state governments should take cognisance of the report submitted by Rao seeking more Funds for scientific research in 2010.

Yeddyurappa requested the Chief Minister to utilise Rao's expertise to create scientific manpower.