Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: BJP legislators in Odisha have formally requested Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to reconsider the recent hike in salaries and allowances of sitting and former MLAs, following public sentiment and growing criticism over the move.

The request was made in writing following an important meeting of party legislators held at the BJP state headquarters on Thursday.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling said while a Bill related to the increase in salaries and allowances of legislators and former legislators was passed during the recently concluded 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly session on December 9, there has since been widespread public concern over the decision.

The meeting was attended by BJP state president Manmohan Samal, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, party general secretary (organisation) Manas Kumar Mohanty, along with all ministers and MLAs of the party.

The controversy erupted after Odisha MLAs received a threefold hike in salary, raising their monthly pay from around ₹1.11 lakh to approximately ₹3.45 lakh. Under the revised structure, the Chief Minister will draw a monthly salary of ₹3.74 lakh, while Deputy Chief Ministers will receive ₹3.68 lakh.

The decision has triggered sharp criticism on social media and from various organisations, which accused the BJP-led government of prioritising lawmakers over public welfare.

On December 9, the Assembly passed multiple amendment Bills, including the Odisha Legislative Assembly Members' Salary, Allowances and Pension (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker's Salary and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Odisha Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker's Salary and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Odisha Ministers' Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, 2025.