Naveen Patnaik Seeks Clarity from Odisha Government on Andhra Pradesh’s Election Plans in Kotia .

Bhubaneswar,19/10(PPT): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, expressing concern over Andhra Pradesh’s reported move to conduct elections in the disputed Kotia region and urging the Odisha government to take decisive measures to protect the State’s territorial integrity.
In his letter to Mr. Majhi, Mr. Patnaik questioned the BJP government’s response to the latest development and recalled the party’s pre-election commitments to resolve the long-standing Kotia dispute and safeguard Odisha’s territorial interests.
The former Chief Minister said his government had consistently worked to protect Odisha’s territorial integrity during his tenure. He also recalled that BJP leaders had earlier asserted that Kotia belonged to Odisha and raised the slogan “Go Back Andhra” in opposition to Andhra Pradesh’s claims over the region.

Mr. Patnaik pointed out that the BJP, in its manifesto for the 2024 Assembly elections, had promised that the “Double Engine” government would resolve the Kotia issue, protect the State’s territorial integrity and restore Odia pride. “What happened to these promises?” he asked.

Expressing concern that Andhra Pradesh was reportedly planning elections in Kotia despite the BJP being in power in Odisha and at the Centre, Mr. Patnaik sought clarity on the State government’s response. He also questioned whether the BJP government’s political dependence on the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, was influencing its approach to the dispute.
The BJD president further sought details of the recommendations made by the 16-member high-level Kotia Committee constituted in 2025 and asked what steps had been taken to implement them. He maintained that the people of Odisha deserved transparency and accountability on the commitments made during the elections.

Mr. Patnaik also questioned whether the State government would firmly defend Odisha’s territorial integrity and constitutional rights or yield to political pressure from the Centre. He urged the government to take all necessary measures to safeguard Odisha’s interests and its claim over Kotia, asking whether the “Go Back Andhra” slogan had been merely an election promise.

The Kotia region, situated along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, has remained the focus of a prolonged territorial dispute between the two States, with competing administrative claims and efforts to establish a presence among residents. The latest reported election move has renewed political debate over the Odisha government’s handling of the sensitive border issue.