Considering a serious view of the alleged disregard shown to the Kannada language during the inauguration of the extended metro rail services up to Kengeri on last Wednesday (Aug 29), Karnataka Minister for Kannada and Culture V Sunil Kumar has sought an explanation from the M.D of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

The controversy erupted as the chief minister was heard speaking in English during much of the event and most of the posters behind were written mostly in English.

Projecting media reports that Kannada was sidetracked during the event, the minister said the government was issuing a notice to the Managing Director of the BMRCL Anjum Parvez asking him why Kannada was ignored. ''It is a crime to ignore Kannada in the government function. I am giving direction to the BMRCL MD to immediately explain why Kannada was ignored and initiate appropriate action against the erring officers,'' Kumar said.

He added that it is a rule in Karnataka that the usage of Kannada is essential in all the government events and all the officers have to comply with it.

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