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Odisha BJP's Surprising Move: MLAs Seek Pay Hike Reversal Amid Public Debate

In a notable shift, ruling BJP legislators in Odisha have asked their own Chief Minister to reconsider a recent decision to hike their salaries. They made this formal request through a signed application, emphasizing their respect for public opinion. This move comes after the salary revision sparked significant debate within the state. Interestingly, opposition leader Naveen Patnaik had already declared he would not accept the increased pay.

Key Points: Odisha BJP MLAs Ask CM Majhi to Reconsider Legislator Salary Hike

  • BJP MLAs submitted a signed application to CM Majhi for a fresh review of the pay hike bill
  • The appeal follows a closed-door meeting with CM Majhi and state BJP chief Manmohan Samal
  • The salary revision made Odisha MLAs among the highest-paid in the country
  • Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik had earlier announced he would forgo his increased salary
2 min read

Odisha BJP legislators seek reconsideration of MLAs' pay hike decision

BJP legislators in Odisha formally request CM Mohan Majhi to review the recent MLA salary increase, citing public sentiment and commitment to transparency.

"Our government is a people’s government. We respect the mandate and sentiments of the people of Odisha. - Mukesh Mahaling, Parliamentary Affairs Minister"

Bhubaneswar, Dec 18

Legislators of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to reconsider the state government's decision to enhance the salaries and allowances of MLAs, Ministers, the Chief Minister, the Speaker and other constitutional office-bearers.

Following a closed-door meeting of BJP MLAs and Ministers at the party's state office here, Odisha Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Thursday said that party legislators have sought reconsideration of the legislation passed during the last Assembly session to hike the pensions and salaries of sitting and former legislators.

Chief Minister Majhi and BJP state president Manmohan Samal were also present during the meeting.

Addressing the media, Mahaling said the Bill had been passed on the floor of the House during the previous Assembly session.

The legislation pertains to an increase in the salaries and pensions of MLAs and former MLAs.

He said that, respecting public opinion, BJP MLAs have submitted a signed application to the Chief Minister requesting a fresh review and reconsideration of the Bill.

"Our government is a people’s government. We respect the mandate and sentiments of the people of Odisha. Keeping this in mind, all BJP MLAs, through a signed application, have appealed to the Chief Minister for a reconsideration of the legislation through consultation and consensus," Mahaling said.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister clarified that the request has been formally placed before the Chief Minister for appropriate consideration, underlining the party’s commitment to public interest and transparency.

It is pertinent to note that the Odisha Assembly recently passed four Bills without any dissenting voice, significantly enhancing the salaries and allowances of MLAs, as well as those of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Minister.

With the revision of salaries and pensions, Odisha's MLAs also joined the ranks of the highest-paid legislators in the country.

This move sparked a major debate in the state, prompting the ruling BJP to reconsider the decision.

Notably, the Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and Biju Janata Dal president, Naveen Patnaik, had earlier announced that he would forgo the recently increased salary and allowances attached to the LoP's post, asking that the amount instead be used for the welfare of the poor.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a welcome move, but it feels a bit reactive. The bill was passed unanimously, wasn't it? Where was this concern then? Public pressure works, but our leaders should have foreseen this. Naveen Patnaik's decision to forgo the hike sets a better example. 👏
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Rohit P
As someone from Odisha, I'm glad they're reconsidering. We have issues with healthcare, roads, and education. The money saved from these hikes can do so much more good if channeled properly. Performance-based pay would be a better system.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this level of internal course-correction. It shows the government is not completely tone-deaf. However, the process seems messy—pass a bill, then ask for a review. Governance needs to be more thoughtful from the start.
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Vikram M
Respect for public opinion is key in a democracy. This is a step in the right direction. But let's be real, they should have thought about "public interest and transparency" *before* passing the bill. Better late than never, I suppose.
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Kavya N
The optics were terrible. When common people are struggling with inflation, such a hike looks insensitive. Good that they are backtracking. Hope other states also learn from this. Public servants should serve, not just enrich themselves.

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