Naveen Patnaik Questions Odisha Government's Silence on Kotia Dispute

In a recent letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Naveen Patnaik, the leader of the opposition and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has expressed his concerns regarding the Odisha government's silence on the ongoing territorial dispute over the Kotia villages. This communication, dated October 19, comes in light of the Andhra Pradesh government's announcement of panchayat elections that could extend to these contested areas, which Patnaik insists are an integral part of Odisha.

The Kotia dispute has a long history, with 28 villages in the Kotia panchayat under the Pottangi block of Koraput district being claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. While Odisha asserts that all villages belong to Koraput, Andhra Pradesh claims 21 of them and provides administrative services under different names. The conflict has persisted for decades, with the Supreme Court intervening in 1968 to maintain the status quo between the two states.

In his letter, Patnaik questioned the effectiveness of the BJP's pre-2024 manifesto promise that a "double engine government" would resolve the Kotia issue decisively. He also highlighted the political dynamics at play, noting that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which governs Andhra Pradesh, is a significant ally of the BJP-led NDA government at the national level. This alliance raises questions about the Odisha government's apparent reluctance to act in defense of its territorial claims.

The urgency of the situation has intensified as the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has scheduled rural polls for November 26, 29, and December 2, which will include areas claimed by both states. However, specific polling dates for the disputed Kotia villages have yet to be announced. Local officials, including Pottangi tehsildar DBS Dharua, have indicated that the administration is closely monitoring the developments and is prepared to take necessary actions.

Political pressure is mounting on the BJP as opposition parties, including Congress, have criticized the government for its inaction. Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka questioned the silence of the Odisha government despite the BJP's presence in power both in the state and at the national level. Meanwhile, local MLAs have called for dialogue to resolve the issue, with warnings of mass agitation if the government fails to take decisive action. BJP representatives have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding Odisha's territorial integrity and emphasized the need for a resolution through diplomatic means rather than political maneuvering.