Bhubaneswar, 14 December (H.S.) : Congress MLA Pabitra Saunta has strongly criticised the role of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik over the bill related to the increase in legislators’ salaries, alleging a “dual policy” on the issue.

Saunta said that although the BJD supported the salary hike bill in the Assembly, Naveen Patnaik’s subsequent announcement that he would not accept the enhanced salary exposes the party’s contradictory stand. He termed the declaration by the Leader of the Opposition as a mere political stunt.

Questioning Patnaik’s financial position, the Congress legislator said that the former chief minister faces no financial constraints. He pointed out that Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of Odisha for 24 years and that his father had also held the same office.

Saunta further stated that the increased salary is a boon for legislators, particularly former MLAs, many of whom have limited financial resources. He added that BJD leaders themselves have acknowledged the need for the salary hike, citing the lack of adequate income among several legislators.

The Congress MLA also said that Naveen Patnaik should have first held discussions within his party and adopted a clear stand before making public statements. He asserted that instead of maintaining a dual approach, it would have been more appropriate to welcome the government’s decision.

Notably, Naveen Patnaik had recently announced that he would not accept the increased salary for legislators.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda