Odisha Politics: Bill passed, now they say they don’t want money, what is the plan of BJP MLAs?

News India Live, Digital Desk: There is no assurance of when the ‘mood’ will change in politics. Recently a news has come from Odisha which has proved that in a democracy, if the public turns a blind eye, then big leaders have to reverse their decisions. We are talking about the same issue of salaries of politicians which always pierces the heart of us middle class people. Recently, the Odisha Assembly had passed a resolution. The plan was to increase the salaries of MLAs three times. Yes, you heard right, three times! Meaning, if someone’s income increases by 10-20 thousand then he throws a party, here there were preparations to take the salary to lakhs. But as soon as this bill was passed, a strange political drama started. “First yes, then no” – what is the matter? In the beginning everything was fine. Everyone agreed to the proposal to increase the salary. After all, who feels bad about increased money? But the twist in the story came when this news came out of the walls of the assembly. People outside were struggling with inflation, unemployment and their small salaries. In such a situation, the public did not like this “bumper lottery” of the leaders. Questions started being raised on social media, and discussions became heated at tea shops. Now what has happened is that BJP MLAs have taken their steps back. Yes, the same MLAs who are in the ruling party have met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. It is reported that he has given a memorandum saying – “CM sir, put this salary hike on hold or take it back. We do not want this increased money.” Now you must be wondering how the mind of the leaders changed overnight? This is called ‘public fear’. Opposition’s ‘masterstroke’ and moral pressure. The opposition also played a big role in overturning this entire game. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik clearly said that he will not accept this increased salary. When such a big leader—who has ruled Odisha for decades—sets an example of simple living, then ‘Moral Pressure’ is definitely created on the newly formed government and its MLAs. Perhaps the BJP MLAs felt that if Naveen Babu rejected the money and we quietly kept it in his pocket, then the image among the public would be tarnished. Brother, you have to contest the next election too! Salary or credit? What will the leader choose? If seen, this is not just an issue of salary, it is a fight to save ‘goodwill’. The MLAs have understood that taking a monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh at this time can be like committing political suicide. Just imagine, on one hand the Anganwadi didis, para teachers and contractual employees of the state are fighting for their rights, and on the other hand their representatives are filling their pockets – this picture does not look good. At present, this refusal of BJP MLAs has forced CM Mohan Majhi to think. Will the bill be refunded? Or will there be a middle path? It will be interesting to see. But one thing is certain, friends – when the public is awakened, it is not easy to act arbitrarily. What do you think? Have the leaders changed this decision out of fear or are they really concerned about the public? Should the salary of an MLA be so high? Please share your frank opinion by commenting!