Bhubaneswar: Setting a strong moral example, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, has decided to forgo the recently enhanced salary and allowances applicable to the post of Leader of Opposition, and has urged that the amount be utilised for the welfare of the poor in the state.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Naveen requested that the funds arising from his decision be redirected for the welfare of poor people of our State.
Stating that he has been “blessed by the love, affection and support of the people of Odisha” for over 25 years, Naveen expressed deep gratitude to the people for their continued trust and affection towards him and his late father, legendary leader Biju Patnaik.
Recalling his family’s earlier decision to donate their ancestral property, Anand Bhawan in Cuttack, for public use, the BJD president said the present decision was taken in the same spirit of selfless public service.
“I have been blessed by the love, affection and support of the people of Odisha for the past more than 25 years. I am highly indebted to the people of Odisha and their love towards me and my late father Biju Patnaik. You may kindly be aware that in the year 2015 our family decided to donate its ancestral property ‘Anand Bhawan’ in Cuttack to be put for use by the people of Odisha”, Naveen mentioned in the letter.
Referring to the recent passage of the salary and allowance hike by the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Naveen Patnaik stated that he would voluntarily forgo the enhanced benefits applicable to the post of Leader of Opposition and appealed to the Chief Minister to ensure that the saved funds are utilised exclusively for the welfare of the poor in Odisha.