The recent decision by the Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to refuse the hiked salary and allowances for MLAs has ignited a fierce political controversy in Odisha.
Patnaik wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declining the increased remuneration, prompting accusations of a political stunt from both the ruling BJP and the Congress, even as his own party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), rallied in his defence.
The Odisha Assembly recently passed a bill with unanimous support from all parties, nearly tripling the salary and allowances of MLAs. The move, however, has triggered public discontent amid rising living costs and economic challenges. In this backdrop, Patnaik’s letter has become a focal point of political debate.
Congress MLA Pabitra Saunta launched a scathing attack, labelling the BJD’s stance as “duplicitous policy” and a “political stunt”. Saunta pointed out that all BJD legislators, including the party’s chief whip, were present and supported the salary hike bill in the Assembly. “While the BJD deemed the increase justified at the time, Naveen Patnaik is now engaging in political drama by refusing it,” he said, suggesting internal miscommunication within the party.
Highlighting Patnaik’s personal wealth accumulated over 24 years as Chief Minister and his family legacy—his father Biju Patnaik was also a former CM—Saunta argued that Patnaik does not need the salary. However, he emphasised that the hike is a boon for former MLAs and urged Patnaik to welcome the government’s decision without hypocrisy.
The BJP echoed similar sentiments, with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo dismissing Patnaik’s move as “pure politics” and a “stunt”. Singh Deo questioned why Patnaik did not attend the Assembly session or voice opposition during the bill’s discussion. Senior BJP legislator Jaynarayan Mishra went further, calling it “drama” no one is buying.
Mishra noted Patnaik’s affluent background, referenced past demands for salary hikes by BJD MLA Pramila Mallik (which Patnaik allegedly supported), and alleged corruption in mining during the previous BJD regime, calling for probes. He contrasted it with Biju Patnaik’s symbolic one-rupee salary and questioned Naveen’s absence on the last day of the session, saying the government would have withdrawn the bill had opposition been raised formally.
Defending their leader, BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera described Patnaik’s decision as an “idealistic and personal choice”. Behera clarified that Patnaik had informed the party, and the BJD fully supported the salary hike, which it had long demanded. “Naveen Patnaik is far from greed for money and has many examples of sacrifice,” Behera said, stressing that Patnaik is not dependent on the salary like others. He justified the hike, noting no increase since 2018, Odisha lagging behind other states, rising expenses, and comparisons with MPs’ salaries. Behera acknowledged public right to express discontent but urged understanding of the rationale, citing high salaries of the President (₹10 lakh) and Governors (₹5 lakh) that go unquestioned.
As political circles buzz with discussions, Patnaik’s gesture—intended perhaps as a moral stand—has instead amplified partisan attacks, highlighting the delicate balance between legislative consensus and public perception in Odisha politics.
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