Naveen poser on Kotia rural polls, former chief minister wades into Odisha-Andhra dispute

BJD president and the leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Monday questioned the BJP’s silence on the Andhra Pradesh government’s announcement of holding panchayat elections in the Kotia region of Koraput district.

Andhra Pradesh plans to hold elections in the Kotia region in three phases — on November 26, 29 and December 2.

In a letter to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Naveen wrote: “It is a matter of grave concern that Andhra Pradesh has announced elections in Kotia, an integral part of Odisha. During my tenure as Chief Minister, we were fighting to protect the territorial integrity of our state. BJP leaders have repeatedly asserted in the past that Kotia belongs to Odisha and have raised the slogan "Go Back Andhra."

Launching a diatribe against the BJP government, Naveen reminded the BJP of its promise that it made in its election manifesto. “Before the 2024 elections, the BJP promised in its manifesto that a Double Engine Government would resolve the Kotia issue once and for all, safeguard Odisha's territorial integrity, and restore Odia Swabhiman(pride). What happened to these promises?” Naveen asked.

Naveen said that despite Odisha having a so-called double engine government, it was deeply concerning that Andhra Pradesh had proceeded to announce elections in Kotia.

“What happened to the BJP's assurances that Kotia belongs to Odisha?,” Naveen questioned.

Naveen also questioned whether it was the political compulsion that the Odisha BJP government was willing to compromise Odisha's interests and territorial integrity. “What makes this even more troubling is that the Telugu Desam Party, which governs Andhra Pradesh, is a crucial ally of the BJP-led NDA government, much needed to maintain its majority at the Centre. Is political dependence the reason for the Odisha BJP government's silence and its willingness to compromise Odisha's interests and territorial integrity?” Naveen said.

Naveen also asked the chief minister to answer on the recommendations of the high-level Kotia committee constituted in 2025. “The people of Odisha deserve clear answers and accountability on these commitments,” read the letter.