BJD stalemate over expulsion continues

BHUBANESWAR, DEC 1: The possibility of a rapprochement between the two warring factions in the Biju Janata Dal BJD receded tonight with peace talks apparently bogged down on the question of revocation of suspension and expulsion orders slapped against two party MPs and six Legislators.

While the five dissident MLAs claimed that they had withdrawn the suit they had filed in a city court challenging their expulsion orders only after some of the mediators showed them letters revoking the disciplinary action, party president Naveen Patnaik refused to either confirm or deny the same.

Asked if the expulsion and suspension orders had been withdrawn, Patnaik quipped no comments.