Naveen Patnaik Questions Odisha Government Silence Over Kotia Election Issue

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has raised serious questions about the current Odisha government. He expressed strong worry over the government's silence. This happened after neighboring Andhra Pradesh announced poll notifications for the disputed Kotia villages. Kotia is a cluster of villages that both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claim as their own territory.

Naveen Patnaik said that the silence of the state government is shocking. The border issue in Kotia is very sensitive for the people of Odisha. When another state tries to hold elections in these areas, it affects the rights and sovereignty of Odisha. Patnaik asked why the state leaders are not taking strong action to stop this from happening.

Understanding the Long Dispute Over Kotia

The argument over the Kotia group of villages is not new. It has been going on for many decades. Both states share a long border in the Koraput district area. The land has rich natural resources and beautiful hill areas where mountains narrate stories of rich tribal heritage and old traditions. However, the exact boundary between the two states was never fully settled in this region.

Because of this confusion, both states often try to provide welfare schemes, build roads, and set up local offices in Kotia. The people living there often get benefits from both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. But during election times, serious conflicts arise because both states try to conduct local polls in the same area.

Why Is the Poll Notification Important?

Andhra Pradesh recently issued an official notice to hold local government elections in Kotia. This step shows that Andhra Pradesh wants to claim control over these villages. When a state holds official elections, it tries to prove that the land belongs to them under the law.

Naveen Patnaik pointed out that allowing another state to hold polls on Odisha land weakens Odisha's legal case in court. The Supreme Court of India has heard arguments on the Kotia issue before. Therefore, any official action by Andhra Pradesh must be challenged quickly and strongly by the Odisha state authorities.

Opposition Demands Quick Action

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Naveen Patnaik wants the government to take immediate action. They want the state government to send official letters to the central government and the Supreme Court. They also want top leaders from Odisha to visit the border villages to reassure the local people that Odisha will protect them.

Many local leaders from Koraput also voiced their anger. They feel that if the government stays quiet now, Andhra Pradesh will gain full administrative control over Kotia. Local citizens want peace, but they also want clarity about their citizenship rights, land papers, and basic facilities.

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Economic Impact and Local Future

Border disputes do not just affect government politics. They also affect the everyday life of ordinary citizens. Small farmers, daily workers, and small business owners need peace to earn their daily living. As world politics and state economies move beyond the horizon and into the 2026 global market future, local stability is needed so border regions can develop and build good schools, roads, and hospitals.

Without clear ownership, big development project approvals get stuck. Companies and government funds cannot build good infrastructure when there is confusion over which state controls the land. This leaves the residents of Kotia without good facilities, even though both states make promises during election campaigns.

What Should the State Government Do Now?

Political experts believe that the state government must act immediately to address these concerns. First, it should file an urgent appeal in court to stop the election process started by Andhra Pradesh. Second, senior officers should be posted in Kotia to oversee development works and maintain public order.

Third, state leaders must engage in direct talks with Andhra Pradesh leaders to maintain the status quo until the courts make a final decision. Silence from state leaders creates fear among local villagers and gives an advantage to the neighboring state.

Conclusion

The statement by Naveen Patnaik brings vital attention back to the Kotia border issue. Land disputes require fast legal action and active administrative support. Protecting state borders is an important duty of any elected government. The people of Kotia and Odisha are now waiting to see how the state government responds to Andhra Pradesh's election notification in the coming days.