Acharya told reporters that he spoke to chief minister Tarun Gogoi today on this issue and there is no conflict or difference of opinion between him and Dispur.

The tone of the governor had softened today after he had expressed strong displeasure at Dispur's failure to prevent rhino poaching yesterday saying "if they can't stop it then they must resign."

The governor said, "I had called a meeting with the forest minister and the security personnel yesterday to review the situation. The forest minister did not come but the director of Kaziranga National Park had discussions with me and I have asked him to submit a report as to what is lacking in the security of the park."

Assam forest minister Atuwa Munda responded by saying he could attend the meeting as he was in Nagaon for a pre-scheduled programme and that he can't resign based on media reports. "I am unaware of what the governor has said. If he asks me in writing to quit, then I will examine legal options," Munda said.

Expressing concern over frequent rhino killing, the governor today said, "A small group of criminals is challenging the government, which is shameful. What is happening isn't acceptable and strong action should be taken against those involved in rhino killings. Those living on the fringes of rhino protection areas should be build up as the first line of defence against poachers."

Like the governor, Gogoi, too, appeared circumspect today, "Not only the governor, we are also equally concerned about rhino poaching. We alone can't solve this problem without the Centre's help since the network of poachers is spread outside the state and even abroad. Extremists are also involved in rhino poaching."

Gogoi had responded to Acharya's remarks yesterday by saying there are some limits for everyone and none should cross this limit. The governor's remarks have left the ruling Congress uneasy.

"As per the Constitution, the governor is to act on the advice of the council of ministers. Therefore, he should not say things like somebody has to resign or people would be put behind bars. He is, after all, the constitutional head of the state, and should conduct himself as one," Ripun Bora, in-charge of the media and IT departments of the Assam PCC, toldThe Telegraph.

Bora went on to contrast the governor's public outburst with his Assembly speech (which he could not complete) on the inaugural day of the budget session today, "In his speech he (governor) has said firm steps to protect wildlife have been taken by the government and that modern arms and equipment have been provided to counter the poachers."

Manabendra Dev Roy, SP of Biswanath Chariali police district, said one of the five arrested from Purubari in Sonitpur district on Saturday night in connection with Friday's rhino poaching in the Kaziranga, included Dimbeswar Buragohain, a 1st Battalion forest protection force jawan deployed in the park.

Padma Hazarika, AGP legislator from Sootea, attributed the failure to check poaching to alleged involvement of forest personnel.