Tripunithara LDF MLA M Swaraj’s statements quoting Bible while speaking during the budget discussion in the Assembly has created an uproar.

Speaking in the Assembly on Wednesday, Swaraj said that the budget presented by Finance Minister Thomas Isaac was sacred and that it can be read along with Matthew’s gospel Chapter 7, verse 6 from the Bible. The MLA however, declined to read the verse as he thought it might create problems.

The verse referred to by Swaraj is from the gospel of Mathew and reads: "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to swines. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces,” opposition assumed it an insult to them.

Opposition leaders objected to Swaraj’s remarks. MLA VD Satheesan and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said that such remarks were an insult to the opposition. Satheesan demanded the intervention of the Speaker and the Chief Minister.

Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan’s reply that he would take action after reading the relevant portions of the Bible added to the opposition’s ire.

Chennithala urged the Speaker to be more patient.

In his own defence, Swaraj shot back saying that some people considered even white paper as a charge sheet.

Responding to Satheesan’s demand, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that he had no knowledge of Bible verses, but maintained that the ruling party would not insult the Opposition. He asked the Speaker to decide after referring to the Bible verse himself.

The Kerala assembly was discussing Thomas Isaac budget on Wednesday.