Finance Minister Mariwilson responded angrily to the MDMK MLA saying that there were errors in the words while reading the budget.
Speaking in the Assembly today, Kadayanallur MDMK MLA Rajendran said, "When the Finance Minister was reading the budget, I listened carefully to his speech as a Tamil enthusiast and orator. His English pronunciation was excellent. Some phrases in Tamil were left out. There were grammatical errors in some phrases.
"I am not placing this before the House as a complaint or an accusation. If, in the future, the Finance Minister has to present the budget, I respectfully request that the School Education Minister should make the necessary efforts for that," he said.
In response, Minister Mary Wilson said, "For some time now, they have been mocking physical appearance, then speaking about caste, then about women... and now they have moved on to language. My Christianity has taught me one thing: the language of love, peace, and compassion. Even those who have studied Tamil do not know this.
For 60 to 75 days, department-wise meetings were held. We have brought in many changes through them. Rs. 15,000 crore has come into the treasury.
Without talking about all that, don’t give advice saying, “You should speak like this.” This is my individuality. This is the only way I know how to speak. If you accept it, accept it. I cannot change myself for you. I will speak like this. This is my style. Are you mocking me?” he asked.
Immediately, the Speaker said, “You spoke in a way that people could understand. Take what he said lightly. Don’t make it a big issue. Don’t take it too seriously. Don’t get angry, Finance Minister.”
This caused a brief commotion in the House.