Politics · India · 5 hrs ago
Odisha Congress seeks development board for disputed Kotia villages
Odisha’s Congress party has called for a special development board for the Kotia group of villages in Koraput district.
The party says the board should speed up welfare programmes and be backed by a special funding package.
Kotia is claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and the dispute intensified after Andhra Pradesh announced plans to hold local polls there.
Congress leader Bhakta Charan Das said residents in 21 disputed villages often have identity documents from both states.
He also alleged that development had slowed and that the two state governments were competing to win local support through welfare schemes.
Congress says stronger services and administration are needed in the border villages, including more Odisha police.
The party also argues that the villages belong to Odisha, while Andhra Pradesh’s claim remains part of the dispute.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee demanded a dedicated development board for the disputed Kotia villages.
The party also called for a special development package, more Odisha police in sensitive border villages and a stronger government presence.
The dispute intensified after Andhra Pradesh announced plans to hold local polls in the villages.
Both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claim jurisdiction over Kotia, which is in Koraput district.
Congress president Bhakta Charan Das accused successive state governments of neglecting the region.
- Who
- The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, led by president Bhakta Charan Das.
- What
- It demanded a dedicated development board and a special package for the Kotia villages.
- When
- October 29, 2026.
- Where
- The Kotia group of villages in Koraput district, Odisha.
- Why
- Congress said development had slowed and called for stronger welfare and administrative support. The villages are disputed by Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Odisha
Andhra Pradesh
Jurisdiction
Odisha
Congress says Kotia belongs to Odisha, citing the province’s formation in 1936.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh also claims jurisdiction over Kotia.
Local polls and welfare
Odisha
Congress alleges Andhra Pradesh is competing to win over local tribal residents through welfare schemes.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh announced plans to hold local polls in the villages.
The dispute intensified after Andhra Pradesh announced plans to hold local polls in Kotia.
The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee demanded a dedicated development board and other measures for Kotia.
- Location
- Kotia group of villages, Koraput district
- Congress president
- Bhakta Charan Das
- Demand
- A dedicated Special Development Board
- Disputed villages
- 21
- Historical date cited by Congress
- April 1, 1936
What people are saying
The State government must immediately establish a dedicated development board for the overall development of Kotia and announce a special package.
The government must also deploy adequate Odisha police personnel in sensitive border villages and reinforce the government’s administrative presence.
Kotia is not merely a forested region rich in natural resources; it is a symbol of Odisha’s pride and identity.
Kotia belongs to us. This is the undeniable truth.