Bhubaneswar, October 22 : Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has asked a party delegation to visit Kotia panchayat in Odisha’s Koraput district on Friday to protest against Andhra Pradesh’s reported election-related activities in three villages in the region.
Patnaik directed the delegation to meet local residents, understand their concerns and assess the situation on the ground. The team will collect first-hand information and submit a detailed report to the BJD president for further discussion and action, the party said in a statement.
The BJD said the visit was important because the Kotia issue involves Odisha’s territorial integrity and administrative authority. The party wants to understand the difficulties faced by residents amid the reported election activities by neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
Naveen Patnaik Questions Odisha Government Over Kotia Issue
Earlier, Naveen Patnaik wrote to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seeking his intervention in the Kotia dispute. He also questioned the state government over its failure to fulfil promises made in the BJP’s 2024 election manifesto.
Patnaik recalled that the BJP had promised to resolve the Kotia issue under its “double-engine government” model, protect Odisha’s territorial integrity and restore Odia pride.
The BJD delegation includes former MPs Jhina Hikaka, Pradeep Majhi and Manohar Randhari. Jagannath Saraka, an MLA and vice-president of the party’s tribal cell, is also part of the team.
Odisha Considers Legal Action Over Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Elections
Meanwhile, the Odisha government is considering legal options in response to Andhra Pradesh’s reported decision to proceed with panchayat elections in three villages in Kotia.
Odisha claims the villages as part of its territory, making the proposed election activities a sensitive issue between the neighbouring states. The dispute has raised concerns over territorial jurisdiction, local administration and the rights of residents in the region.
The BJD’s planned visit is expected to help the party assess the situation and determine its next course of action. The Odisha government is also examining possible legal measures to address the issue.
