Salary cut? What? Sonia writ rings no bell for Cong MLAs

Now,in order to ensure that MLAs and MPs from the state follow the guidelines,the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) is sending individual letters of reminders,asking them to inform the state party headquarters as to what they have done in this regard so far.

These letters,being sent by Ram Krishna Dwivedi,chairman of the party’s disciplinary committee,are personally addressed to the MPs and MLAs. The letter informs them about the 20 per salary cut proposed by the Congress Working Committee,which was to be followed for the entire year starting September 1. The letters are being sent following instructions from the AICC to collect information about the actual number of MPs and MLAs who are making the contribution,as it was a voluntary exercise.

The decision was taken at the CWC meeting held in Delhi in August following a suggestion from party president Sonia Gandhi to help people in the drought-affected area. The Congress has 21 MPs and 19 MLAs in UP. Sources said while the MPs have started making the contribution,there is confusion among the MLAs and some don’t even know they are supposed to make the donation.

“Is there supposed to be some salary cut? I’m sorry but I’m not aware of it. No one has informed me so far. If there is some letter,I believe it must be reaching me,” said Sanjay Kapoor,party MLA from Bilaspur in Rampur.

Others don’t know how and where they are supposed to make the payment. Asked about it,a senior party leader said he would have to find out from the party headquarters in Delhi.

Another leader said he was ready to submit a letter to the Vidhan Sabha secretariat,requesting it to make a deduction from his salary every month,but no one could tell him in which account the money should go.

Even Dwivedi sounded vague. “There is no confusion. Everyone would do it happily. Soon,things will be clear.”

As for the MPs,Jitin Prasada,Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas,said they had signed identical letters authorising the AICC treasurer to take the necessary steps for deduction of the amount from their salaries and “he has taken care of the matter”.