Naveen Urges Majhi to Take Up Kotia Dispute with Centre, Andhra Pradesh

In a letter to Majhi on Wednesday, Naveen expressed concern over reports of growing tension and confrontation between officials of the two States. He also flagged Andhra Pradesh’s move to conduct elections in Kotia, arguing that it had serious implications for Odisha’s territorial interests.

The latest communication follows Naveen’s earlier letter dated October 19 and the Chief Minister’s reply on October 27.

Pointing out that both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are governed by parties belonging to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, Naveen said the political arrangement should be used to resolve the dispute without further delay.

“In view of the prevailing tension and the imminent elections, I urge you to take up the matter with the Union Government and the Government of Andhra Pradesh at the highest level. Since both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are governed by parties belonging to the NDA, led by the BJP, urgent steps must be taken to protect Odisha’s territorial integrity, as promised in the BJP’s 2024 election manifesto,” he wrote.

Naveen said it was the Chief Minister’s moral responsibility to protect Odisha’s legitimate interests and prevent the situation from escalating. He also called upon the BJP leadership to honour its electoral commitment to the people of the State on the Kotia issue.

In his October 27 reply, Majhi had asserted that the Kotia group of villages had been an integral part of Odisha since the formation of the separate State in 1936. He reiterated his government’s commitment to safeguarding the State’s territorial integrity through legal and constitutional means.

However, the Chief Minister had questioned Naveen’s approach, observing that his earlier letter appeared to view the sensitive issue from a political standpoint rather than offer constructive and legally tenable solutions.

Majhi also highlighted the government’s development initiatives in Kotia. He said a committee headed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, comprising senior officials, had been constituted to oversee development activities in the Kotia Gram Panchayat areas. Ministers and senior officials have also been visiting the region to assess its requirements.

He had urged all concerned to exercise restraint and respect the judicial process, while inviting Naveen to offer constructive suggestions for resolving the dispute.

The renewed exchange comes amid tensions over Andhra Pradesh’s proposed elections in Kotia, putting the spotlight on the Majhi government’s ability to translate its territorial commitment into concrete political and administrative action.