BJP and Congress target Naveen Patnaik over MLA pay hike, call it political drama

BJP and Congress on Sunday launched sharp attacks on Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik over his recent letter to the Chief Minister, in which he stated that he would not accept the hiked salary and allowances for MLAs.

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Both parties accused Naveen Patnaik of indulging in ‘political drama’ instead of raising objections at the appropriate forum.

Senior BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra said Naveen Patnaik, who remained in power for 24 years and is considered a wealthy leader, could have taken such a decision while he was the Chief Minister. Mishra recalled that Biju Patnaik had once drawn a token salary of one rupee and questioned why a similar precedent was not set earlier.

“He (the former CM) should mention how long his family ruled the State. Naveen Babu ruled for 24 years, and what he has done in those 24 years is well known to the people of Odisha. This is just a drama – political theatrics,” BJP leader Mishra said.

Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also questioned why the former CM Patnaik neither participated in the Assembly discussion nor raised any objections when the issue was debated, despite having the opportunity.

The Congress echoed similar views, urging Naveen Patnaik to stop what it termed ‘political theatrics’ and accept the current government’s decision.

“When the Bill on salary hike was tabled in the House of Legislative Assembly, Members of BJD including the party Chief Whip were present and completely supported it. Now, the LoP and former Chief Minister wants to do a political stunt and has opposed the hike and refused to accept his pay at an increased rate,” Congress MLA Pabitra Saunta stated.

Meanwhile, Kendrapara BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera supported the salary hike, stating that Naveen Patnaik had not asked party legislators to forgo their pay, and reaffirmed that the government’s decision was logical.

“Former Chief Minister has not instructed MLAs to forgo their salaries. Secondly, the party had demanded a salary hike and also supported the Bill in the House. Hence, opposing such a decision does not arise,” the BJD MLA expressed.