BJD, BJP Join Forces to Reconsider Odisha MLA Salary Hike Amid Public Backlash

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In a rare display of bipartisanship, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have joined forces to ask the Odisha Chief Minister to reconsider a massive 211% hike in MLA salaries and allowances. The request comes after widespread public criticism of the move, which would make Odisha lawmakers the highest-paid in the country. The BJD, which had initially supported the salary hike, has now asked the Chief Minister to reconsider the decision due to growing public discontent. Meanwhile, the BJP, which had also backed the move initially, has echoed the BJD's concerns and urged the Chief Minister to respect public opinion. The salary hike, which was cleared by the assembly earlier this month, would increase the monthly emoluments of MLAs from ₹1.11 lakh to ₹3.45 lakh, making them the highest-paid in the country. The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling it insensitive to the state's struggling economy and the needs of its citizens. In a surprising move, the leader of opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier requested the Chief Minister to retain the enhanced salary for the welfare of the poor people of the state. However, his suggestion was met with criticism from Congress and BJP leaders, who dubbed it 'political grandstanding'. The BJP's decision to join the BJD in asking the Chief Minister to reconsider the salary hike marks a significant shift in the party's stance on the issue. The move is seen as an attempt to reconnect with the public and address growing concerns over the state's governance and the welfare of its citizens.