Bhubaneswar, 19 October (H.S.): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Monday wrote to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, expressing concern over Andhra Pradesh’s reported move to conduct elections in Kotia and urging the state government to take decisive measures to protect Odisha’s territorial integrity.

In his letter, Patnaik questioned the BJP government’s response to the latest development, recalling the party’s pre-election commitments to resolve the long-standing Kotia dispute and safeguard the state’s territorial interests.

The former chief minister said his government had consistently worked to protect Odisha’s territorial integrity during its tenure. He also recalled that BJP leaders had earlier asserted that Kotia belonged to Odisha and raised the slogan “Go Back Andhra”.

Patnaik pointed out that the BJP’s manifesto for the 2024 elections had promised that the “Double Engine” government would resolve the Kotia issue, protect Odisha’s territorial integrity and restore Odia pride.

“What happened to these promises?” he asked, seeking accountability from the state government.

Expressing concern that Andhra Pradesh was reportedly moving ahead with its election plans despite the BJP being in power in both Odisha and at the Centre, Patnaik sought clarification on the steps being taken by the state government.

He also questioned whether the BJP government’s political dependence on the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), was influencing its response to the dispute.

The BJD president further sought details of the recommendations submitted by the 16-member high-level Kotia Committee constituted in 2025 and asked what action had been taken to implement them.

Patnaik said the people of Odisha deserved clear answers regarding the BJP’s electoral commitments. He questioned whether the state government would firmly defend Odisha’s territorial integrity and constitutional rights or yield to political pressure from the Centre.

He also asked whether the “Go Back Andhra” slogan had been merely an election promise, urging the government to take all necessary steps to safeguard Odisha’s interests and its claim over Kotia.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda