MLA scheme, salary prevent early exodus

SHILLONG: Pending MLA schemes and the monthly salary of legislators, which will come to around Rs 2 lakh together with perks and allowances, are the immediate reasons for the delay on the part of many legislators to leave their respective parties prior to the Assembly polls.
A legislator is currently availing of Rs 2 crore per year as MLA scheme.
A legislator admitted on Sunday that there are calls from various political parties to join their fold, but there are some more work to be done after the release of the MLA schemes and salary.
If a legislator resigns now, he not only ceases to be an MLA, but also loses MLA schemes and their salaries as he will be considered a former MLA who will only get pension.
Except the Congress, many political parties, including NPP, BJP and NCP, among others, had hinted that there are several legislators who were willing to join their respective parties.
Earlier, the KHADC CEM and suspended Congress member, PN Syiem had announced that he will leave the Congress by July, but sources said he will take some more time before joining PDF.