Bhubaneswar, Dec 19: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has appealed to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to reconsider the state government’s decision to significantly enhance the salaries and allowances of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), citing growing public outrage over the move. The issue has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the timing of the hike amid prevailing economic challenges.

Leader of the Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik had earlier declined to accept the revised salary and allowances. He also wrote a letter to Chief Minister Majhi, urging the government to rethink the decision in view of public sentiment. Echoing this stance, BJD spokesperson Pramila Mallik said the party was requesting the Chief Minister to reconsider the hike, keeping in mind the dissatisfaction expressed by people across the state.

The passage of the salary revision Bills has drawn sharp reactions from various sections of society, including civil society groups and political observers. Interestingly, even ruling BJP MLAs had submitted a written petition to Chief Minister Majhi earlier, seeking reconsideration of the Bills passed in the Odisha Assembly on December 9.

It may be noted that the Assembly unanimously passed four Bills revising the salaries, allowances and pensions of MLAs and key constitutional functionaries, placing Odisha legislators among the highest-paid in the country.

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