Three days after being freed by Maoists, Orissa MLA Jhina Hikaka Sunday said the ultras are likely to release a fresh audio message which could clear the air over his possible resignation as a legislator.
“A new audiotape is likely to be released by the Maoists shortly. It will remove all confusion relating to my resignation. Everything will be clear,” the 37-year-old ruling BJD MLA from Laxmipur said.
The tribal legislator, who was abducted by Maoists in the early hours of March 24 in Koraput district, was set free on April 26 at Balipeta in Narayanpatna area of the district on the condition that he would resign as a member of the state Assembly within 15 days.
Mr Hikaka, who has been sidestepping the question of quitting as an MLA ever since he was released by Maoists, said he would be visiting the state capital shortly and the future course of action would be known soon.
Before freeing Mr Hikaka, Andhra Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee of CPI(Maoist) had claimed in an audio message that the tribal leader had given an undertaking at their praja court that he would resign as a legislator and also cut ties with the BJD.
Mr Hikaka said he had also been consulting with the people of his constituency on the course of action. Chief minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik is tightlipped on the question of Mr Hikaka quitting.