Ranchi: With the rebels refusing to relent, Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi on March 2 night paid a surprise visit to the residences of two dissident ministers but failed to convince them.

When contacted, one of the dissident minister, Lalchand Mahato of Janata Dal – United (JD-U), said, "The Chief Minister requested us to pardon him and solve the matter amicably...we said we have nothing against him (Marandi). We are going to New Delhi for talks as he had slammed the doors on our face."

Two other rebels - Madhu Singh and Jaleshwar Mahato - were present at Mahato's house when the Chief Minister dropped in.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sources confirmed that the Chief Minister, accompanied by Mines and Geology Minister Ravindra Rai, had visited Bachcha Singh's house, apart from Lalchand Mahato's residence.

The rebels, who on February 20 raised the banner of revolt, are scheduled to visit the national capital on March 3 afternoon to meet Samata leaders George Fernandes, Nitish Kumar and Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav.

On February 20, Madhu Singh, Bachcha Singh, Ramesh Singh Munda, Jaleswar Mahato (all Samata), besides Lalchand Mahato, revolted demanding removal of Babulal Marandi for alleged non-compliance with the rules of executive business and Cabinet's nod during transfer posting of class-1 officers.

PTI