Naveen Patnaik questions Odisha government’s 'silence' on Andhra's poll notification for disputed Kotia villages

Naveen Patnaik questions Odisha government’s 'silence' on Andhra's poll notification for disputed Kotia villages left Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik addresses a protest. File ANI ANI ANI Bhubaneswar, Jan 06 (ANI): Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik addresses a protest over rising prices of essential commodities, in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

(ANI Photo) The decades-old dispute involves both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claiming their right over 21 of the 28 villages of Kotia Gram Panchayat Bhubaneswar BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Monday (October 19, 2026) demanded to know whether the BJP's "dependence" on NDA ally TDP was the reason for the state government's "silence" on Andhra Pradesh issuing a notification for panchayat elections in three villages of Kotia in Koraput district.

The decades-old dispute involves both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claiming their right over 21 of the 28 villages of Kotia Gram Panchayat. The matter has been pending before the Supreme Court, with a fresh suit filed by Odisha in January 2022 still under consideration. Mohan Charan Majhi government epitome of mismanagement: Naveen Patnaik Mohan Charan Majhi government epitome of mismanagement: Naveen Patnaik BJD launches ‘Jan Sampark Padayatra’, its annual month-long public outreach programme on occasion birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Mohan Charan Majhi government epitome of mismanagement: Naveen Patnaik storyline 1 In the face of the opposition's charge of "double standards" and reneging on Odisha's territorial integrity and pride, state minister Suresh Pujari said the BJP government was prepared to "thwart any provocative attempts" by TDP-ruled Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Patnaik, who is also the leader of the opposition in the Odisha Assembly, sent a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, expressing concern over Andhra Pradesh's notification announcing polls in Phagunasineri, Ganjeipadar and Phatusineri villagers of Kotia gram panchayat. "What happened to the BJP's assurances that Kotia belongs to Odisha? 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 at the Centre," the former Chief Minister said.

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What actions have been taken to implement them?” Mr. Patnaik posed the question and pointed out that as Chief Minister, he had fought all along to protect Odisha's territorial integrity. He reminded the Chief Minister that BJP leaders in Odisha have repeatedly asserted that Kotia belongs to the state and they had raised the "Go Back Andhra" slogan. Also, before the 2024 elections, the BJP made a promise that a 'double-engine’ government would resolve the Kotia issue once and for all, safeguarding Odisha's territorial integrity and restoring Odia pride, Mr.

Patnaik said in the letter to the Chief Minister. Former CM Naveen Patnaik hits out at Odisha govt, alleging ‘callous’ of handling of school textbooks Former CM Naveen Patnaik hits out at Odisha govt, alleging ‘callous’ of handling of school textbooks Demanding resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, BJD hit the street and charged massive embezzlement of government fund in printing of textbooks Former CM Naveen Patnaik hits out at Odisha govt, alleging ‘callous’ of handling of school textbooks storyline 1 "What happened to those promises?

Despite Odisha having a so-called double-engine government, it is deeply concerning that Andhra Pradesh has proceeded to announce elections in Kotia," he said in the letter. "Will the double-engine government stand firm in safeguarding Odisha's territorial integrity and constitutional rights, or will it once again yield to pressure from the Centre?,” he posed and said that the people of Odisha deserve clear answers and accountability.

Meanwhile, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Sunday (October 18) had said that the government is fully prepared to "thwart any provocative attempts by the neighbouring state". BJD moves child rights panel over alleged use of children at BJP political rally in Odisha BJD moves child rights panel over alleged use of children at BJP political rally in Odisha The regional party demands notices be issued against Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, State BJP president Manmohan Samal and former party MLA Pravat Biswal BJD moves child rights panel over alleged use of children at BJP political rally in Odisha storyline 1 "Kotia gram panchayat is an integral part of Odisha and its people are with the state," he had said, adding that the Revenue Divisional Commissioner of the southern division has been asked to take stock of the situation and remain vigilant.

The Koraput district collector has been taking stock of the situation, and both officers have been asked to make sure Kotia doesn't become a part of Andhra Pradesh's election process, the minister said. Congress Legislature Party Leader Rama Chandra Kadam, who is also an MLA from Koraput district, demanded immediate intervention of the state government. "The Odisha BJP government's double standards on Kotia have allowed Andhra Pradesh t…