Intensifying the political heat along the inter-state border, a 16-member delegation of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) visited the sensitive Kotia gram panchayat on Friday.
The high-level party team headed to the region to assess ground realities, interact directly with local residents, and fiercely oppose the unilateral panchayat election process initiated by neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
The visit coincided with the final day for filing nominations for the disputed polls. Emphasising that Kotia is an inseparable part of Odisha, the regional party asserted that local residents stand firmly with Odisha and refuse to participate in the electoral process conducted by Andhra Pradesh.
Assessing Ground Realities and Political Backlash
The BJD delegation—comprising senior leaders, legislators, and former ministers from Koraput and surrounding districts—toured the area to evaluate administrative and political dynamics firsthand. Party sources confirmed that the delegation will compile a comprehensive assessment report to be submitted directly to BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik for further action.
The opposition party used the visit to launch a scathing attack on the ruling BJP-led government in Odisha. While highlighting the developmental projects and welfare initiatives rolled out during the previous Naveen Patnaik administration to uplift Kotia’s residents, the BJD accused the current government of failing to take adequate measures to safeguard the state’s territorial integrity.
The border dispute, which involves a cluster of strategically vital villages in Koraput district claimed by both states, has long been a flashpoint. With tensions escalating over the local polls, the BJD has vowed to mount persistent opposition against any infringement on Odisha’s administrative jurisdiction.
