Kotia row: 'Odisha CM Naveen father figure'-statement by Andhra Deputy CM raises eyebrows

Is Andhra Pradesh using all weapons in its arsenal to usurp Kotia? The recent statements of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister P Rajanna Dora during the visit to the disputed region on Monday have fuelled such questions.

Dora, who visited Kotia today, claimed that Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are just like brothers and the Odisha Chief Minister is a father figure.

“We always love the people of Odisha and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Ji as we like him as our father,” said Dora.

Andhra Deputy CM’s intrusion in Odisha's Phatu Senari and Phaguna Senari areas along with such statements and praise certainly indicates that the neighbouring state is trying to mislead people. Sources said that the Deputy Andhra CM will spearhead a campaign in the area for three days.

Ahead of the visit of the Andhra Deputy CM, the road at Madakar was blocked by placing mud. However, it is not clear if it was an attempt by Odisha to checkmate Andhra or if it was done by the neighbouring state to block Odisha officials from reaching the spot.

Dora was accompanied by Salur Tehsildar, BDO, and security personnel. He conducted door-to-door visits to inform locals about various schemes of the Andhra Pradesh government.

“The Andhra Pradesh government will sanction the schemes again as the intention of the government led by CM Jagan Mohan Reddy is to ensure that the schemes reach poor tribals,” said Dora.

Whatever the reason, the change of stance by Andhra Pradesh by claiming that Odisha and Andhra are brothers has certainly raised doubts as to what could be the exact motive behind such statements?

Is Andhra changing its strategy after expressing strong opposition to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s ‘Go Back’ slogan?

Koraput resident, Pradip Mohanty said, “Andhra officials should not have come here when Union Minister had raised the Go Back slogan on Utkal Diwas. But it is a matter of concern when the Deputy CM of Andhra is frequently visiting and stating that Odisha and Andhra are like brothers or they are on good terms with the Odisha CM.”

Odisha Congress MLA, Taraprasad Bahinipati said, “People are being threatened to support else they will be sent to jail in liquor cases which is really unfortunate. Odisha government needs to be cautious about it.”

Ruling BJD MLA, Pitam Padhi said, “Andhra has no shame. We dare them to provide 3000 awas houses in Kotia. Then one can say that they are really concerned about the residents of Kotia.”

Meanwhile, no comments have been received from the Koraput district administration over the development and the ongoing legal battle over Kotia.