The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a scathing attack on the “Double Engine” government in Odisha, accusing it of failing to protect the state’s territorial integrity against Andhra Pradesh’s ongoing intrusions.
Senior BJD leaders Pradeep Majhi and Bhrugu Buxipatra lambasted the current state administration over its inability to stop neighboring Andhra Pradesh from attempting to conduct three-tier Panchayat elections within the disputed Kotia territory.
Addressing the media, the leaders asserted that whatever major development is visible in the Kotia region today is solely the result of initiatives undertaken by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. They alleged that over the last two and a half years, the incumbent Double Engine government has faced severe setbacks in multiple border disputes with Andhra Pradesh.
Taking a direct dig at the political dynamics at the Centre, the BJD leaders claimed that the NDA-led central government does not dare to antagonize Andhra Pradesh, as it desperately needs the support of its political allies there to ensure the survival of the Central Government.
The leaders challenged the current Chief Minister—who they noted was highly vocal about Kotia while the BJD was in power—to immediately request the Honorable Prime Minister to step in. “If the PM intervenes, it would take only a few minutes to find a solution to this problem, as it is a genuine concern for Odisha,” they stated.
Sounding a warning against any territorial violations, the BJD leaders declared that the party will not remain a silent spectator. They vowed that BJD workers would be present on the ground to ensure that Andhra Pradesh does not conduct its three-tier elections in an area that rightfully belongs to Odisha and where the Survey, Settlement, and Record of Rights (SIR) has already been completed.
