State politics is heating up following the approval of a significant salary hike for MLAs, which has met with public disapproval.
Amid the controversy, Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik announced he would not accept the increased salary, requesting the additional funds be used for the poor. Patnaik shared a letter to the Chief Minister on his social media, referencing his family's history of public service and donation of 'Ananda Bhavan.'
However, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo swiftly reacted, criticizing Patnaik's move as mere "politics." Singh Deo questioned why Patnaik failed to attend the Assembly session to voice his opinion when the bill was debated.
The new structure grants the Chief Minister ₹3.74 lakh, MLAs ₹3.45 lakh, and other key positions (Speaker, Deputy CM) up to ₹3.68 lakh monthly, including allowances. Singh Deo stated, "Not taking the salary hike is just politics."