Bhubaneswar, April 27: BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka is keeping everyone guessing about whether or not he’s gong to keep his promise to his Maoist captors about stepping down as MLA.

Recovering from the trauma of having spent over a month in Maoist captivity, Hikaka has persistently refused to speculate on whether he would keep his promise to the rebels about resigning from his post since the government had failed to meet their demands, including release of 29 Maoists and the rebel-supported Chasi Muliya Adivasi Sangh (CMAS) leaders from jail.

“You will get an answer to all these questions in the near future,” Hikaka said today keeping his cards close to the chest. Political circles have been abuzz with all kinds of rumours about the future moves of the tribal MLA from Laxmipur who was set free by the rebels yesterday after spending 33 days in their captivity.

Mediapersons have been questioning Hikaka about the possibility of his resignation ever since his release by the rebels on the outskirts of Balipeta village in Narayanpatna block of Koraput district yesterday.

The legislator is reported to have given a written undertaking to the Maoists that he would step down following his release since the government had refused to concede their demands.

The 38-year-old lawmaker gave the undertaking in a praja (people’s) court held by the rebels in Narayanpatna of Koraput district on April 24, two days before his release. In fact, the decision to set him free was taken at this kangaroo court.

Coinciding with his release yesterday, the Maoists had released copies of the undertaking given by Hikaka in the people’s court to ensure that he did not go back on his word.

“The government has not done anything for my release. It has also not fulfilled any of the demands of the Maoists. I, too, could not solve the problems of the people of Narayanpatna despite being their MLA for the last three years. I will quit BJD and resign as MLA and lead the life of a simple man,” read the undertaking furnished by the lawmaker.

But the now free Hikaka is now evasive on the issue. “I have never approached people as a politician. Earlier, I was a social activist and led the life of a common man. I still approach people as a social activist,” he said today at Laxmipur, his hometown, when quizzed by reporters.

The Maoists yesterday had also released an audiotape that stated Hikaka would resign from the BJD membership as he had failed to undertake any developmental work in his constituency. When confronted with the tape today, Hikaka said: “Developmental work cannot be completed overnight. For this one has to prepare schemes, which takes time.”

The legislator, however, admitted that the development in his constituency hadn’t been as much as desired because of disturbances in Narayanpatna. He, however, did not clarify who was behind such disturbance. Narayanpatna is said to be a Maoist bastion and also a stronghold of CMAS.

Hikaka asserted that his popularity in the constituency was obvious from the warm welcome he received from people following his release. His wife, Kaushyala, said she and other family members were happy that her husband was back home.

In another development, top Maoist leader Niramala today surrendered before police, accusing Telugu speaking Maoists leaders of harassing her. Niramala was involved in a number of cases of violence including a Maoist attack on Damanjodi.