The longstanding border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh flared up once again in the sensitive Kotia panchayat under Pattangi block in Koraput district.
A high-level ‘Fact-Finding’ delegation from the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), led by PCC President Bhakta Charan Das, visited the area to assess the ground reality and strongly protest against continuous encroachments by Andhra Pradesh.
Due to persistent rain and windy conditions caused by a looming cyclone, a planned outdoor public meeting was shifted indoors to the Kotia Panchayat Office conference hall, where a press conference and strategy meeting were convened.
Addressing the gathering, Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka expressed strong displeasure with the district administration over the key Revenue Inspector (RI) post in Kotia remaining vacant for several months. He further slammed the ruling party MPs from Odisha, alleging that their silence in Parliament out of fear has left critical bilateral issues like the Kotia and Polavaram disputes unresolved.
Issuing a stern warning to the neighbouring state administration, PCC Chief Bhakta Charan Das stated:
“Andhra Pradesh must not destroy the fraternal ties between the two states by conducting illegal activities and elections in Kotia. This land belongs to us; it is nobody’s private property. We will never allow Andhra’s conspiracy to grab Kotia’s rich mineral resources to succeed.”
The situation turned tense following the meeting when the delegation proceeded toward Neridibalsa village. Near Uparasembi village, the Congress team encountered deployed Andhra Pradesh Police personnel on Odisha territory.
Enraged by the police presence, Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati confronted the Andhra personnel directly, warning them: “This is not your ancestral property. Vacate this area immediately!” Resentful party workers subsequently dismantled traffic signboards installed illegally by the Andhra Police along the road and raised slogans of “Andhra Go Back.”
To prevent any further escalation or untoward incidents following the protest, the Odisha Police stepped in with precautionary measures. They restricted the Congress delegation from taking the same return route, instead escorting them safely back to the Pattangi block headquarters via the historical British-era road.
The delegation included several prominent leaders, including local MLA Ramachandra Kadam, Lakshmipur MLA Pabitra Santa, Rayagada MLA Appal Swamy, Gunupur MLA Satyajit Gomango, Bissamkatak MLA Nilamadhab Hikaka, Chitrakonda MLA Mangu Khilla, State Mahila Congress President Meenakshi Bahinipati, and Koraput District Congress President Rupak Turuk, alongside numerous senior party functionaries.
