‘Odisha is Kotia’s mother’: Revenue Minister warns Andhra against interference

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari issued a strong warning on Wednesday to Andhra Pradesh over the long-disputed Kotia region, asserting that Odisha is the rightful guardian of the region.

Also Read: Odisha’s territorial integrity in Kotia faces fresh challenge from Andhra Pradesh officials

Speaking after a high-level meeting on Kotia, the Minister said, “Odisha is Kotia’s mother, and Andhra is like an aunt. As long as the mother is alive, there is no need for the aunt. Andhra should not try to act like the mother.”

The Minister cautioned that any Andhra officials entering Kotia with administrative intent would face legal action. While people from Andhra Pradesh are free to visit Kotia as tourists, he made it clear that attempting to lure residents, distribute leaflets, or create provocation would not be tolerated and would invite strict action under the law.

Emphasising the State’s commitment, Revenue Minister Pujari said Kotia is as important to the Odisha government as Bhubaneswar. He announced that government officials would regularly visit the region, and comprehensive development measures are underway.

Plans include improvements in healthcare, education, mobile communication towers, road infrastructure, and a dedicated roadmap for tourism development to ensure holistic growth of the Kotia region.

“Whoever trespasses is an infiltrator. They (people from neighbouring Andhra) can come (to Kotia panchayat) for a visit; they can come to their relatives (in Kotia). However, law will take its course if they (Andhra officials) distribute leaflets or try to bias locals here,” the Minister stated while speaking to mediapersons after the review meeting.