Pay hike? Legislators call for raise in level of debate

Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference fully supported the move. ‘‘Give us enough for us to remain honest,’’ he said, adding that MPs should be given a salary hike or they would become ‘‘slaves of the MNCs and would raise questions (in Parliament) on their behalf’’.

Congress’ P.G. Kurien said ‘‘while public perception was that MPs were rich people, majority do not even possess a car or even a house’’.

Santosh Bagrodia, on the other hand, said being an MP was a 24-hour, seven-day job and that the salary was not enough to meet even their personal needs.

Former minister Janardhan Poojary silenced the House, saying he was shocked to hear a young boy on television saying ‘‘give them (MPs) if they are begging for a hike’’. Poojary said he had worked his way from humble beginnings to become an honest politician and was offended by such references. Deputy chairperson Fali S. Nariman tried to assuage sentiments, calling upon the government to reply to the move.