Should Odisha's BJP Legislators Reconsider the MLAs' Pay Hike?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, BJP legislators in Odisha are urging Chief Minister Majhi to rethink the latest salary hike for MLAs and constitutional office-bearers. This move comes amid growing public discontent and aims to align with the sentiments of the people.
Key Takeaways
- BJP legislators have formally requested a reconsideration of the MLA pay hike.
- The legislation significantly increases the salaries and pensions for MLAs and constitutional office-bearers.
- Public sentiment is increasingly influencing political decisions.
- Odisha's MLAs now rank among the highest-paid in the country.
- The call for review underscores the importance of governance transparency.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 18 (NationPress) Members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday to reassess the decision made by the state government to increase the salaries and allowances for MLAs, Ministers, the Chief Minister, the Speaker, and other constitutional office-holders.
After a private meeting of BJP MLAs and Ministers at the party's state office here, Odisha's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling stated that party legislators have officially requested a review of the legislation that was passed during the last Assembly session regarding the hike in pensions and pay for sitting and former legislators.
Both Chief Minister Majhi and BJP state president Manmohan Samal attended the meeting.
In a press briefing, Mahaling noted that the Bill had been approved during the previous Assembly session.
This legislation concerns an increase in the salaries and pensions for both current and former MLAs.
Mahaling emphasized that, acknowledging public sentiment, BJP MLAs have collectively submitted a signed request to the Chief Minister for a reconsideration of the Bill.
"Our government is a people’s government. We honor the mandate and emotions of the people of Odisha. Considering this, all BJP MLAs have formally requested the Chief Minister to rethink the legislation through dialogue and consensus," Mahaling articulated.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister confirmed that this request has been officially presented to the Chief Minister for careful consideration, highlighting the party’s dedication to public interest and transparency.
It is worth mentioning that the Odisha Assembly recently approved four Bills without any dissent, significantly increasing the salaries and allowances for MLAs, as well as those for the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Minister.
With the changes in salaries and pensions, MLAs in Odisha have now become among the highest-paid legislators in the nation.
This decision has ignited considerable debate within the state, leading the ruling BJP to reconsider its stance.
Significantly, the Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and president of the Biju Janata Dal, Naveen Patnaik, had previously declared that he would waive the recently increased salary and allowances linked to the LoP's position, requesting that the funds be redirected towards the welfare of the underprivileged.
Point of View
The call for reconsideration of MLA pay hikes in Odisha reflects a growing trend among politicians to listen to public opinion. It illustrates the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, especially in a democratic setup where the voices of the constituents cannot be ignored. Aligning political actions with public sentiment is crucial for maintaining trust and legitimacy.
NationPress
19/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the BJP legislators to request a pay reconsideration?
The request was made in response to public sentiment regarding the recent salary hike for MLAs and constitutional office-bearers.
Who was present during the BJP MLAs' meeting?
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and BJP state president Manmohan Samal were present at the meeting.
What does the legislation entail?
The legislation involves an increase in salaries and pensions for both sitting and former legislators in Odisha.
How has the recent pay hike affected Odisha’s MLAs?
The pay hike has placed Odisha's MLAs among the highest-paid legislators in India, sparking significant debate.
What was Naveen Patnaik's stance on the salary increase?
Naveen Patnaik announced that he would forgo the increased salary and allowances, suggesting the funds be used for the welfare of the poor.
