In a remarkable display of humility and commitment to public welfare, Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik has announced his decision to forgo the recently hiked salary and allowances for his position in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
In a letter dated December 13, 2025, addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Patnaik expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Odisha for their love and support over more than 25 years. “I have been blessed by the love, affection and support of the people of Odisha for the past more than 25 years. I am highly indebted to the people of Odisha and their love towards me and my late father Biju Patnaik,” he wrote.
Referencing the family’s earlier decision in 2015 to donate their ancestral property ‘Anand Bhawan’ in Cuttack for public use, Patnaik stated: “In the same spirit, I would like to forgo the salary and allowances hiked for Leader of Opposition which the Odisha Legislative Assembly has recently passed.”
He requested that the forfeited amount be utilized for the welfare of the poor people of the state.
The Odisha Assembly had recently approved a significant hike in salaries and allowances for MLAs, ministers, and key positions, including the Leader of the Opposition, increasing the monthly package to approximately Rs 3.62 lakh for the LoP role. This move by Patnaik comes amid ongoing political discourse in the state and underscores his continued focus on service over personal gain.
Patnaik, who served as Chief Minister for over 24 years until 2024, signed off the letter with regards, reaffirming his dedication to Odisha’s people.
This gesture has drawn attention for its alignment with the legacy of his father, the legendary Biju Patnaik, and is seen as a poignant reminder of selfless leadership in public life.
