Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has strongly defended the recent hike in MLAs’ salaries and allowances, emphasising that the decision was taken unanimously in the Assembly following recommendations from a bipartisan committee. He accused the opposition, particularly Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, of indulging in hypocrisy by criticising the move outside the House after supporting it inside.
The Odisha Legislative Assembly had passed the salary hike bill on December 9, 2025, with unanimous consent from all parties, tripling MLAs’ monthly packages from approximately ₹1.11 lakh to ₹3.45 lakh. The increase, effective retrospectively from June 2024, was based on recommendations from a committee chaired by senior MLA Bhaskar Madhei, which included members from all parties.
Minister Harichandan stated that the amendment was discussed and agreed upon by representatives from every political party. “All party members deliberated and approved the changes. They could have opposed it in the House if they disagreed. Raising issues now, outside the Assembly, and pointing fingers at the government is unnecessary,” he said.
Targeting Naveen Patnaik directly, the Minister highlighted that the former Chief Minister had announced he would forgo the enhanced salary and donate it to the poor. However, Harichandan pointed out that BJD legislators, including those aligned with Patnaik, did not raise any objections or dissent during the Assembly discussions or voting.
“The opposition leader says outside that he will donate the increased salary to the poor, but his party neither discussed it nor expressed disagreement in the House. Supporting it inside and then playing politics outside amounts to hypocrisy,” Harichandan remarked sharply.
The salary hike has sparked public debate, with critics questioning the timing amid economic challenges, while supporters argue it aligns Odisha’s remuneration with inflation and comparisons to other states and central legislators.
