Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today lashed out at Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patniak for his alleged failure in resolving the border dispute related to Kotia tribal pockets in Koraput district.
Speaking at the party headquarters here on Saturday, senior BJP leader Biswa Bhusan Harichandan said that the CM's callousness and apathy towards the Kotia panchayat issue has exposed his inefficiency.
Even though the border dispute with Andhra Pradesh is pending with the Supreme Court, the neighbouring state is implementing welfare schemes in the region, unabated, said Harichandan.
"The CM has never been keen and serious about resolving border disputes. It seems, the BJD supremo is either done with his leadership responsibilities or he is not competent to resolve such inter-state issues," said the BJP leader, adding that instead of making tall claims of development sitting at his residence, the CM must pay a visit to Kotia for a reality check.
Reacting to BJP's allegation, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Surya Narayan Patro said, "BJD is very much conscious and concerned about the State and its bordering areas. We have implemented over 20 welfare schemes in the region for the benefit of the tribals who have voter identity cards issued by the State."
It is true that Andhra Pradesh is trying to encroach upon some parts in the Kotia region but the matter is sub-judice in Supreme Court and the State is in no way insensitive towards it, said the minister.
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