Bhubaneswar: On Monday, Naveen Patnaik, the president of the BJD and Leader of Opposition, reached out to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi with concerns regarding Andhra Pradesh’s alleged plans to hold elections in Kotia. He urged the state government to take firm actions to maintain Odisha’s territorial integrity.

In his letter to Majhi, Patnaik questioned the response of the BJP government to this development, reminding them of their pre-election vows to address the enduring Kotia conflict and to safeguard the interests of Odisha.

Patnaik highlighted that during his time as chief minister, he made significant efforts to protect the state’s territorial claims. He recalled that BJP leaders had previously stated that Kotia belonged to Odisha and had chanted the slogan “Go Back Andhra.”

He noted that the BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming 2024 elections had included a promise that the “Double Engine” government would resolve the Kotia issue, protect Odisha’s territorial integrity, and restore pride for the Odia people.

“What happened to these promises?”

Patnaik expressed his worry about Andhra Pradesh’s election plans, especially given the BJP’s governance in both Odisha and at the Centre. He requested clarity on the state government’s approach to this situation.

The opposition leader also questioned whether the BJP’s reliance on the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a significant partner in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), was influencing their response to the Kotia matter.

He demanded information on the recommendations from the high-level Kotia Committee of 16 members established in 2025, asking what actions had been taken to implement those suggestions.

Patnaik insisted that the people of Odisha deserved transparency and accountability regarding the commitments made by the BJP during electoral campaigns.

He inquired whether the state government would staunchly defend Odisha’s territorial integrity and constitutional rights or succumb to political pressures from the Centre.

Patnaik also questioned if the “Go Back Andhra” slogan was merely a campaign promise, calling on the state administration to take all necessary actions to protect Odisha’s interests and its claim over Kotia.

The Kotia area, situated along the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, has been embroiled in a long-lasting territorial dispute between the two states.