In Odisha, the composition of negotiators on the Maoist side for the release of the two abducted Italians is facing a number of difficulties. The Maoists have suggested the names of social activists BD Sharma and Prafulla Samantra as alternative after the Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik rejected Narayan Sanyal as a mediator.

Naveen Patnaik had opposed Sanyal because he has been convicted of several crimes and is presently lodged in jail. Another Maoists' proposed mediator Biswapriya Kanungo has expressed his inability to negotiate on behalf of the Maoists.

Samantra has also expressed his inability to take part in the negotiations process. He said he has been involved in democratic movements for land rights and against big companies, but the state government has no faith in him.

The Odisha Chief Minister had earlier urged the Maoists to suggest two names in place of Sanyal and Kanungo to initiate talks to secure the release of Paolo Bosusco and Claudio Colangelo at earliest.