Opposing the Nalco divestment process tooth and nail, the Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said lie has decided to take up the issue with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The ruling Biju Janata Dal [BJD] in Orissa, a coalition partner in the Vajpayee government at the Centre, is opposed to the Centre offloading more than 50 percent shares of Nalco. The BJD had threatened a protracted agitation to force the Centre to review its decision. The Centre and the state government differed on the mode of divestment of Nalco when the issue was discussed at a high-level official meeting in Orissa. A high-level team from the Union steel and mines ministry led by its secretary, A K Kundra discussed the issue with the officials here, which was led by chief secretary, DP Bagchi.
NSTL
