Naveen Patnaik Forgoes Salary Hike, Redirects Funds to Public Welfare
In a striking gesture of humility and service, Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik has announced his decision to forgo the recently hiked salary and allowances granted to his position in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
In a letter dated December 13, 2025, addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Patnaik expressed gratitude to the people of Odisha for their unwavering support over the past 25 years.
He emphasised his indebtedness to the citizens and his late father, Biju Patnaik, whose legacy of selfless leadership continues to inspire him.
Patnaik requested that the forfeited amount be directed toward welfare initiatives for the poor, reinforcing his commitment to service over personal gain.
This move echoes his family’s earlier decision in 2015 to donate their ancestral property, Anand Bhawan in Cuttack, for public use.
The Odisha Assembly had recently approved a significant hike in salaries and allowances for MLAs, ministers, and key positions, raising the Leader of the Opposition’s monthly package to approximately Rs 3.62 lakh.
Patnaik’s refusal to accept the increase has drawn attention across political circles, highlighting his dedication to public welfare even after stepping down as Chief Minister in 2024.
Observers see this as a continuation of the values championed by his father, Biju Patnaik, and a reminder of the importance of selfless leadership in public life.
