THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devikulam MLA A Raja's oath-taking was different from that of other MLAs who sworn in on Monday. Some have criticised that his oath-taking was illegal.

Raja decided to take the oath by making solemn affirmation in Tamil. The concerned officials were also informed about it. According to Raja, the Tamil word 'Ulamaar' (solemn pledge) was not found in the pledge written by the officials.

According to the Constitution, the MLAs are required to swear in either in the name of God or by making self-affirmation. The oathtaking is usually annulled whenever this provision is violated.