Thursday, January 26 2006 13:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhubaneswar: Politics within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition in Orissa has taken another twist with the state BJP Chief Jual Oram asking Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take a 'positive' decision on the demands of the agitating tribals of 'Kalinga Nagar'.

Oram, who was allegedly heckled and faced questions by the agitators during his visit to Kalinga Nagar on Tuesday last, said the tribals had put a precondition that their demands should be communicated to the Government and 'my national leader' which he was doing.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, which was e-mailed to newspaper offices today, Oram said the tribals were initially hesitant to talk to him but discussed with him at length after a lot of persuasion.

Oram said he had discussed the matter accordingly with BJP President Rajnath Singh.

The demands, Oram said, included removal of Finance Minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadei, who represented the area in the assembly, from the ministry immediately.

Besides, they demanded release of tribal leader Rabindra Jarika who had been arrested and withdrawal of all cases registered against him and other 'innocent tribals' during the agitation.

"They also have other demands but those can be sorted out mutually", Oram wrote.

"As for my discussion with Rajnath Singhji, their number one demand (removal of Ghadei from the cabinet), we donot like to press it for the better understanding of our coalition", Oram said adding "that's for you to take a decision".