‘Andhra should remain an aunt, not mother’; Kotia inseparable part of Odisha, says Revenue Minister

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Friday issued a strong warning to Andhra Pradesh, asserting that Kotia is an inseparable part of Odisha and cautioning the neighbouring state against making any attempt to assert control over the region.

During his visit to the Kotia panchayat, the Minister reviewed ongoing development works along with senior administrative officials. Addressing the gathering, Pujari made sharp remarks while targeting Andhra Pradesh, stating that this is not the Mughal era, where States compete to conquer territories. He emphasised that all citizens are Indians and questioned why Andhra Pradesh was attempting to interfere in Kotia instead of focusing on providing services in its own areas.

Using a strong analogy, the Revenue Minister said Andhra Pradesh should remain ‘like an aunt’ and should never attempt to become a ‘mother’ in Kotia. Reiterating the Odisha government’s stand, he said Kotia is an integral and indivisible part of Odisha, and no external interference will be tolerated.

“This is not the Mughal era, where states compete to conquer territories. We are Indians. Why is Andhra Pradesh trying to become the mother of this region? It should stay as aunt and maintain a good relationship with the states,” Pujari said.

On the occasion, the Minister interacted with beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes and reviewed the implementation of development programmes in the border villages. He assured residents that the Odisha government remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, governance, and public services in the Kotia region.

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The visit was attended by the MLAs of Kotpad, Pottangi, and Koraput, along with the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police, underscoring the government’s focus on the sensitive border area.