Naveen Patnaik Forgoes Salary Hike for Odisha's Poor

Odisha's Opposition Leader, Naveen Patnaik, announced relinquishing his recently increased salary and allowances. He urged that the funds be used for the state's poor. This decision aligns with Patnaik's historical pattern of donating to public causes, reminiscent of his father Biju Patnaik's modest past salary practices.

Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, has chosen to forgo the recently approved salary hike, advocating for the money to aid the state's impoverished.

This decision led Patnaik to pen a request to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, suggesting that his increased entitlement—stemming from a legislative bill—be directed toward the welfare of Odisha's poorer citizens.

Patnaik, who served as Odisha's chief minister five times, roots this generous gesture in his deep-seated gratitude for the public's enduring support and his family's legacy of public service.

(With inputs from agencies.)