Kotia Is Odisha’s Pride, Not Just Territory: Tara Prasad Bahinipati
Koraput: Senior Congress leader and Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati has called for a united and non-partisan effort to protect Odisha’s interests in the disputed Kotia region, asserting that Kotia is not merely a territorial issue but a matter of Odia pride, identity, and self-respect.
Speaking during a visit to Kotia along with a Congress delegation led by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das, Bahinipati expressed concern over what he described as continued attempts by Andhra Pradesh to assert influence in the region through electoral and administrative activities.
The leaders emphasised that the long-standing Kotia dispute is currently under judicial consideration and stressed the importance of respecting the legal process while safeguarding the interests of local residents.
They urged both the state government and political parties to remain vigilant and committed to protecting Odisha’s territorial and cultural heritage.
During the visit, the delegation highlighted the need for accelerated development in Kotia, focusing on improved road connectivity, quality healthcare, education, drinking water facilities, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The leaders argued that stronger developmental initiatives would reinforce Odisha’s presence in the region and improve the quality of life for residents.
The delegation, which also included Meenakshi Bahinipati and Rama Chandra Kadam, interacted with residents and reiterated support for preserving Odia identity, culture, and traditions in the border villages.
They also paid tribute to the contributions of Krushna Chandra Panigrahi and emphasised the promotion of Jagannath culture in the region.
Calling for collective action, Bahinipati urged political parties, social organisations, intellectuals, youth groups, and the media to rise above political differences and work together to defend the rights of Kotia residents and protect Odisha’s interests.
The visit once again brought the spotlight on the sensitive Kotia border issue, with Congress leaders reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that Odisha’s cultural identity and territorial claims remain protected through both legal and developmental measures.
