Bhubaneswar, 19 December (H.S.): The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday urged Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to reconsider the recently passed Bill providing for an increase in the salaries, allowances and pensions of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), citing growing public resentment over the move.

Although the BJD had supported the Bill during its passage in the Odisha Legislative Assembly earlier this month, the party said widespread public criticism since then has prompted it to seek a review of the decision. The proposed hike has drawn sharp reactions from various quarters, with many questioning both the timing and the rationale behind the increase.

Acknowledging public sentiment, the BJD stated that the issue needs to be reconsidered in the larger interest of the people. Party leaders said that while the BJD had initially extended its support to the Bill, it respects public opinion and does not wish to overlook the concerns being raised across the state.

Earlier, several BJP MLAs had also appealed to the Chief Minister to review the decision on the salary hike. In addition, Leader of the Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik had written to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, stating that he would not accept the enhanced salary in view of the strong public opposition to the move.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda