Balangir: A team of delegates led by the local BJD legislator on Tuesday met Odisha chief minister Navin Patnaik to press for their demand of a separate district status for Titilagarh, a sub-division of the district.

The team discussed their demand with Naveen and apprised him of their logic behind the demand.

Naveen heard them patiently and said he would take a decision after studying and analysing their demand, sources said.

Lalit Mohan Tandy, joint convener of the District Action Committee of Titilagarh, said: "The chief minister was quite positive while interacting with the team. He has assured us of a decision after analysing the different aspects of our demand." "We are optimistic after our meeting with the chief minister."

Upendra Bag, general secretary of Kumuda Pahad Surakshya Samiti, said he told Naveen to accept the long-standing demand of the area.

"The demand for a separate district status for Titilagarh is an important and long-standing one. The CM should accept it," he said.

Senior lawyer Radhakanta Padhi also urged Naveen to listen to their demand, which he termed as "genuine".

However, despite the chief minister assuring that he would look into the demand for a separate district, the relay strike by the Youth Mass Association in front of the sub-collector's office entered the 22nd day on Wednesday. Several organisations have already extended their support to the demand since the strike began.

Titilagarh legislator Tukuni Sahu, a BJD member, is also supporting the agitation and taking initiatives to fulfil the demand for a new district.