Odisha-Andhra Pradesh face-off over Kotia: BJD targets BJP government over border dispute

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Bhubaneswar: The long-standing border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over Kotia has once again triggered a political controversy, with the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) launching a sharp attack on the BJP-led Odisha government over its handling of the issue.

Addressing the controversy, the BJD played an old video of Dharmendra Pradhan during his visit to Kotia and also referred to an earlier statement made by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The regional party alleged that despite making several promises before and after the elections, the BJP government has failed to take concrete steps to resolve the Kotia dispute.

The BJD recalled that Dharmendra Pradhan had raised the slogan “Andhra Go Back” during his visit to Kotia and had asserted that the people of the region should maintain their identity and allegiance to Odisha.

According to the BJD, direct intervention by the Centre could have helped resolve the long-pending dispute. However, the party alleged that the BJP had failed to fulfil its commitments.

The opposition party further claimed that several ministers had visited Kotia, but their visits had produced no tangible results.

Highlighting the development initiatives undertaken during its tenure, the BJD claimed that essential infrastructure, including electricity and drinking water facilities in Kotia, had been developed under the previous BJD government.

It alleged that the present BJP government had not undertaken any significant development work in the region during its tenure.

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The BJD also urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to fulfil his constitutional responsibilities and take immediate steps to safeguard Odisha’s interests in Kotia.

Raising concerns over alleged political activities by the YSR Congress Party, the BJD claimed that around 150 party workers were engaged in campaigning in the disputed region.

The party warned that the Chief Minister would be held responsible if elections were conducted in Kotia on the 3rd, as alleged by the opposition.

Meanwhile, the Congress also expressed concern over the situation and demanded a special development package for Kotia.

The party stressed the need for a comprehensive development programme to safeguard the region’s interests, improve the living standards of every family and ensure overall development.

Congress maintained that special measures were necessary to strengthen infrastructure and provide better opportunities to people living in the disputed area.

Meanwhile, Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari responded to the allegations levelled by the opposition parties.

Also read: PM Modi inaugurates RBI Data Centre and Cyber Security Training Institute in Odisha’s Jatni, Watch

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