Odisha tightens grip on Kotia, counters Andhra’s influence with development push

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Friday declared that Andhra Pradesh will no longer be able to expand its activities in the disputed Kotia region, emphasising that the state’s administrative and developmental presence has grown significantly in recent months.

Speaking as the chief guest at the district-level Independence Day celebration in Sambalpur, Pujari said rapid infrastructure and welfare initiatives are underway in Kotia.

“Whatever Andhra has done in the past, it will not be able to do further. Development in Kotia is progressing at a fast pace,” he told the gathering.

Ministers Step Up Visits To Kotia

Pujari said he recently toured Kotia to assess local grievances and review the progress of the Odisha government’s projects. He also noted that Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida had earlier visited the region to oversee the Subhadra Yojana’s implementation.

The Revenue Minister confirmed that multiple departments are coordinating outreach programmes. The Food and Supplies Minister is expected to visit soon to distribute newly issued ration cards, with other departments mobilising to roll out flagship schemes across the cluster of villages.

Public Pushback Against Andhra Outreach

The Minister claimed Andhra Pradesh’s influence in Kotia has visibly waned, with residents increasingly engaging with Odisha’s schemes and administration. He cited recent incidents in which Andhra officials’ attempts to assert presence in parts of the Gajapati district were met with public resistance.

“Now, several departments of the Odisha government have extended their welfare schemes to the area. People have recognised this and are assimilating with Odisha,” Pujari said.

Strengthening Security And Long-Term Development

To bolster control, the Odisha government is planning a permanent police outpost in Kotia to monitor cross-border movements. Future plans also include targeted interventions in education and human resource development, with proposals for special scholarships for meritorious students in the region.

Pujari said these initiatives are designed to cement trust in Odisha’s governance and ensure sustainable growth in the border area.

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