Patna, Sept. 18: The state government and the agitating employees of power companies today once again failed to iron out their differences.

The second round of talks between representatives of the agitating employees and the energy minister remained inconclusive.

The first round of talks was held on Monday. Amid their differing stands, the two sides, however, agreed to hold one more round of talks on Friday. The employees have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from September 25 if their demands are not met by then.

“A last and final meeting has been called on September 20. There would be no more meetings after that. Today’s meeting was held in a very generous way,” said energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Asked about any hitch that is fuelling the standoff, Bijendra said: “There is no obstruction. We are discussing the demands that they have put forth. Dialogue is the only solution, however, there are some demands that are completely technical, which need to be sorted out before reaching at any conclusion.”

According to sources in the energy department, the state and the employees still have differences over two demands —removal of North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd managing director Sanjay Kumar Agrawal and a judicial probe into the September 13 clash.

“I don’t think people should have any anticipation as far as their demand of removing an officer is concerned. At present, I am not in a position to say anything related to their demands. But the meeting was cordial. Only after the final meeting, will I be able to say anything on their demands. The important aspect is all are our employees,” said the minister after today’s meet.