The continuing tussle for power between two factions of the Lalit Kala Akademi saw the institution's consultant Rahas Mohanty removed. In an order issued on Tuesday, Assistant Secretary Ravindra Khanduja terminated Mohanty's services citing "his unsatisfactory performance and conduct". Considered close to some officials in the Culture Ministry, Mohanty was seen as a challenge to the authority of the current Lalit Kala Akademi secretary.