Bhubaneswar, April 1: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik continues to maintain suspense over the possible rejig of his ministry in the wake of ruling BJD's below par performance in the rural polls.

Naveen made two contradictory statements on the issue in Delhi and Bhubaneswar within a span of three hours leaving mediapersons baffled. In Delhi, he told the mediapersons that he was yet to give the issue a thought but he appeared to have changed his mind as soon as he reached Bhubaneswar in the evening today. In sharp contrast to his statement in Delhi where he had said: "We have not thought about it right now," he told waiting media representatives here, "I am thinking about it. Let's see what happens."

On March 17, Naveen had dropped hints about a possible ministry rejig. He had said: "We will look into the matter and decide what needs be done." Though the chief minister is yet to make a categorical statement on the issue his ministers remain on pins and needles. Sources in the ruling BJD said since a ministry re-jig was the chief minister's prerogative he could do it anytime.

The chief minister also said that he would visit riot-torn Bhadrak tomorrow to take stock of the situation. Though curfew has been partially lifted in the town tension still remains. There is still heavy police deployment in the coastal town where efforts are on to restore complete normality. Talking to the mediapersons in Delhi, Naveen spoke on the contentious issue of award of Bharat Ratna to his father and former chief minister, Biju Patnaik. "I think he certainly deserves it," said Naveen reflecting the sentiments of Odias.

The chief minister also reiterated the demand for special category state status for Odisha. Pointing out that his government has been raising the demand for the past several years, he emphasised its importance for the economic development of the state.

Poll violence

Post-poll violence has taken a serious proportion at Kumarpur village in Athagarh as several houses were allegedly set ablaze by some villagers following a group clash on Tuedsay. Sources said two groups clashed with each other in the village on Monday night. Later, police reached the spot and took control of the situation.