LSS President Meets Naveen, Demands Monthly Pension For Odisha Leaders Jailed During Emergency

Bhubaneswar: Loktantra Senani Sangh (LSS) has demanded monthly pension and felicitation of Odisha leaders who were jailed during Emergency under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and Defence of India Rules (DIR).

President of LSS and MP Kailash Soni took up the matter with Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik who is on a visit to New Delhi. Soni pointed out that political leaders and common people, who were detained under MISA and DIR during Emergency from 1975 to 1977, are paid monthly pension and other benefits in 11 states.

Stating that Naveen’s father and legendary leader of Odisha Biju Patnaik was put in jail for a long time during the Emergency, which is considered a black chapter in the history of Indian democracy. In Odisha’s neighbour Madhya Pradesh, the government pays monthly pension of Rs 25,000 to such warriors of democracy, he added.

Soni was accompanied by six MPs including Prasanna Acharya and Amar Patnaik from Odisha during his meeting with Odisha chief minister.

After hearing the demand of Soni, Naveen assured him of looking into the matter seriously to take necessary steps.

It may be noted that Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar had written a letter to Naveen in 2020 seeking allowances and recognition for the victims of Emergency.