Kotia Row Reignites: Naveen Patnaik Demands Immediate Action from CM Majhi
Bhubaneswar: The long-standing Kotia border dispute has once again triggered political confrontation in Odisha, with Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik urging Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take immediate steps to safeguard the state’s territorial integrity following Andhra Pradesh’s decision to conduct panchayat elections in parts of the disputed region.
In a strongly worded letter to the Chief Minister, Patnaik expressed concern over Andhra Pradesh’s election notification covering villages in the Kotia area, which Odisha considers an integral part of Koraput district.
He recalled that BJP leaders had earlier asserted that Kotia belongs to Odisha and had campaigned under the slogan “Go Back Andhra.”
The BJD president also questioned the BJP government’s 2024 election promise that a “Double Engine Government” would permanently resolve the Kotia issue, protect Odisha’s territorial boundaries, and uphold Odia pride.
He asked why Andhra Pradesh had been able to move ahead with election plans despite the BJP being in power both in Odisha and at the Centre.
Patnaik further sought details regarding the recommendations of the 16-member high-level Kotia Committee constituted in 2025 and the actions taken on its findings.
He urged the state government to provide clarity and act decisively to defend Odisha’s interests in the disputed region.
The Kotia dispute involves 28 villages under Kotia Gram Panchayat in Koraput district. While Odisha claims all 28 villages, Andhra Pradesh claims administrative rights over 21 of them.
The matter has remained pending before the Supreme Court for decades, with both states required to maintain the status quo.
Andhra Pradesh’s move to schedule rural local body elections in the disputed area has once again brought the sensitive border issue into the political spotlight, with opposition parties demanding stronger intervention from the Odisha government.
