Kotia an Integral Part of Odisha Since 1936, CM Mohan Majhi Tells Naveen Patnaik
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has strongly reiterated the state’s claim over the Kotia Group of Villages in Koraput district, asserting that the region has remained an integral part of Odisha since the state’s formation in 1936.
His remarks came in response to a letter written by Opposition Leader and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik concerning the long-standing Kotia border dispute.
In his reply, Majhi emphasised that the Odisha government remains committed to safeguarding the state’s territorial integrity and protecting the interests of residents living in the Kotia region.
He maintained that the matter should be addressed through legal and constitutional mechanisms rather than political statements.
The Chief Minister noted that Patnaik’s observations appeared to be driven more by political considerations than by practical and legally sustainable solutions.
He stressed that successive efforts by the state government have focused on strengthening Odisha’s position in the dispute while ensuring development reaches the affected villages.
Highlighting recent initiatives, Majhi said the government has constituted a high-level committee headed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister to oversee the comprehensive development of the Kotia Gram Panchayat area.
Ministers and senior officials have also been regularly visiting the region to monitor welfare schemes, public services and infrastructure projects aimed at improving the lives of local residents.
The Chief Minister further urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint while discussing the sensitive border issue.
He invited constructive suggestions and cooperation through appropriate legal and constitutional forums to strengthen Odisha’s case and ensure sustained development in Kotia.
The Kotia dispute has remained a contentious issue between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh for years, with both states staking claims over the strategically located border villages.
Odisha has consistently maintained that Kotia is an inseparable part of the state and has continued its efforts to bolster governance and development in the region.
