Odisha’s border villages Jumdam in Malkangiri and Bisusola in Mayurbhanj are at the center of a territorial tug-of-war. Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have intensified efforts to extend their influence over these regions by offering better infrastructure, education, and welfare schemes.
In the south, Andhra Pradesh is actively integrating Jumdam by providing free electricity, drinking water, housing grants, and pensions. The village’s children are now studying under Telugu-speaking teachers, drifting away from their Odia roots.
Meanwhile, Bisusola in the north finds itself under the administrative grip of West Bengal, where local families are increasingly dependent on its services, including schooling and ration supplies.
Odisha’s response so far has been limited to road construction, falling short in comparison to the benefits offered by neighbouring states.
As these villages adapt to the conveniences provided by Andhra and Bengal, questions arise about Odisha’s ability to retain its territorial identity and address longstanding developmental neglect.
