Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved an Ordinance in which allowances and pension of all MPs will be reduced by 30% for a year. MPLAD fund too has been temporarily suspended for two years which would now go to the Consolidated Fund of India in the fight against coronavirus.

Following the decision Union Home Minister Amit Shah also thanked President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Governors for voluntarily deciding not to take 30 percent of their allowances for one year.

If one goes by the reactions of a large section (including social media) of the society Union Cabinet’s decision is being seen as Modi’s master-stroke. The decision once again catapult his popularity among the masses. Probably the decision also decodes Modi’s intent to meet former Presidents, PMs and some other leaders including CMs.

At one end it is being seen as if Parliament of the world's largest democracy stands together in these challenging times. But on the other end a large section of taxpayers and the public is welcoming the move for reasons in public life. There are also who believe that most of the funds were either improperly utilized or remained unutilized. There is a section that might say it will impact development in the far off areas.