Leaders divided over salary hike for AAP MLAs

While some agreed that MLAs need a hike to do their jobs efficiently, others took umbrage at the timing of the demand

AAP, MLA salary issue, Aam Aadmi Party, Sanjay Singh, India Against Corruption movement, Delhi news, india news, nation news, news

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said that deliberations on the issue would be held in the next few days, with several options on the table. (Source: Express photo by Amit Mehra)

Even as some of its 67 MLAs have asked for a increase in their salaries, the matter has seen fierce debate within the AAP itself. Senior party leaders said that while most largely agree with the principle that, to do their job honestly, the current remuneration does not match requirements, some have taken issue with the timing of the demand. Some leaders also said that methods are being discussed within as to how to take the matter forward.

Senior leaders on Saturday did not seem to be on the same page. Ashutosh, who is said to be abroad, tweeted:

MLAs/MPs salaries should be rationalised.AAP MLAs are not corrupt. It’s difficult to run their offices. And it should increase.

— ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) July 4, 2015

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However, while speaking to ANI, Sanjay Singh said, “Jab desh mein itne farmers suicide kar rahe hai, aise samay par hum apni salary badhaye ye sahi nahi hai (At a time when farmers are committing suicide in our country, it is not right to increase salaries).”

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A senior leader said most agree that several MLAs have no financial backing to fall back on and that managing expenses during discharge of duty was often difficult.

“There are several MLAs who have come out of the India Against Corruption movement and have no other source of money. Their basic salary is limited. Often, the amounts designated for things such as travel exceeds the limit. If we expect MLAs to work honestly without seeking any other source of income, then expenses that cover at least job requirements must be taken care of. There is certainly merit in that argument,” the leader said.

However, some within the party have taken umbrage with the timing of such a demand, with the party facing heat for its spending on advertisements and tussles with the Central government. “The party had decided to stay away from controversy until absolutely necessary and just work for a while. This, however, brings us back to the spotlight and gives ammunition to those who want to portray the AAP as similar to other parties, regardless of whether the demand is right or wrong. It also takes away from our points on farmer deaths and other issues,” a leader said. Sources also indicated that several MPs, such as Somnath Bharti, are not in favour of a salary hike.

Leaders said that deliberations on the issue would be held in the next few days, with several options on the table. “For instance, you can either increase the salary, or payments for transport or an office can be taken care of for MLAs which will cut down their expenditure. However, it is clear that there will be no excessive spending and only what is required,” a leader said

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