Bangalore, Mar 6(TOI): Inflation and price hike have not just affected the common man, but our elected representatives too. And to tide over the price punch, Karnataka legislators are demanding a hefty hike in their total emoluments.

A delegation of BJP MLA's has petitioned chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, seeking hike in their salaries, perks from present Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.50 lakh. When contacted by STOI, the CM said the proposal was in discussion stage, while the MLAs who approached him claimed he has promised them to do the needful.

Only last year, legislators allowed themselves a salary hike, including their perks. BJP MLA M P Kumaraswamy said with rise in rates of petrol and diesel, it had become difficult for them to go around their constituencies with a conveyance allowance of Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per month.

"The perception that all MLAs are rich is wrong. Only our counterparts from Bangalore and Mysore are well to do. Most of us from north Karnataka and Malnad are in difficulty. I don't have a house of my own. Besides, the notion that we make money through contracts of projects is also wrong, as everything is through e-tendering now," Kumaraswamy said.

If they want a hike, then an amendment to the Karnataka Legislature Salaries, Pensions and Allowances Act will become necessary. The cabinet should approve the proposal before it's placed in the legislature.