Odisha BJP MLAs Seek Review of Controversial Salary Hike
The demand by BJP legislators for a reconsideration of the salary hike came in the wake of widespread public outrage and a strong backlash on social media platforms
Bhubaneswar: BJP MLAs in Odisha on Thursday urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to review the recent salary hike that sharply raised legislators’ monthly pay and allowances from Rs 1.11 lakh to Rs 3.45 lakh.
State parliamentary affairs minister Mukesh Mahaling said the request was made during a meeting of party legislators with senior BJP leaders at the state headquarters. He did not explain why the MLAs, who had earlier supported the Bills passed in the Assembly on December 9, were now seeking a reconsideration.
The move comes amid widespread public anger and sharp criticism on social media. Political observers said the backlash intensified after Leader of the Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik announced he would forgo the enhanced salary, putting moral pressure on the ruling BJP.
Under the revised structure, MLAs’ basic monthly salary was increased from Rs 35,000 to Rs 90,000, the electricity allowance from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000, and the medical allowance from Rs 5,000 to Rs 35,000, taking total monthly remuneration to Rs 3.45 lakh.
The rare consensus between the ruling BJP and opposition BJD and Congress on the hike has drawn public ire, with critics questioning the timing of the decision amid economic stress and ongoing social challenges. CPI(M) MLA Laxman Munda also opposed the move, calling it “unreasonable” and recording his dissent in the Assembly committee.