War of words ensues as all eyes on Guv's assent to Bill

MLA SALARY HIKE

- PNN & AGENCIES

With a threefold hike in the salary and allowances of Odisha MLAs triggering a political row and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik announcing that he would forgo the enhanced benefits, a war of words has ensued between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress over the bill.

With the Bill witnessing unanimous support in the House, all eyes are now on Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, whose assent is required for the Bills passed by the state Assembly.

On the last day of the Winter Session December 9, the Assembly passed four Bills unanimously, though the lone CPI(M) member remained absent from the House.

The Left party has opposed the increase in legislators' salaries and allowances.

Under the new provisions, the total monthly package of an MLA has been raised to ₹3.45 lakh from ₹1.11 lakh earlier.

The move has drawn sharp criticism on social media and from various organisations, which accused the BJP government of prioritising lawmakers over people, pointing out that the state's per capita annual income is estimated at ₹1.83 lakh in 2024-25.

While the Chief Minister will get a monthly salary of ₹3.74 lakh, his deputies are entitled ₹3.68 lakh.