KalingaTV New Network
Koraput: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took stock of situation at Kotia Grama Panchayat in the district on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border on Monday.
Pradhan addressed a public meeting where he assured to submit a report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss with Odisha government for the overall development of the region.
“I believe that Kotia which is in Odisha border will continue to be in Odisha and the people of these areas will proudly say that they are Odias,” said Pradhan while addressing the public meeting adding “I am happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has included Koraput district among the 115 ‘aspirational’ districts where he wants to see development.”
Later, the locals submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister.
Many BJP leaders including Jayram Pangi, Bhrugu Baxipatra and Sisir Gamang had accompanied Pradhan. Gadadhar Parida, former district Collector of Koraput, was also attended the public meeting.
Meanwhile, the state ruling BJD protested Pradhan’s visit to the disputed areas.
Senior BJD leader Maheswar Mohanty said, “The BJD government has taken all steps for the development of Kotia. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s visit is nothing but shedding crocodile tear.”
Kotia grabbed the headline after Andhra Pradesh government launched ‘Janmabhoomi’ programme and carried out several developmental projects in Kotia Grama Panchayat earlier this year. Later, a five-member team headed by IG Sanjib Panda, including Director (Rehabilitation and Resettlement) Ashok Kumar Nayak, Additional Secretary Sashadhar Nayak and Chief Engineer of Rural Development Department Ashutosh Mallick, visited Kotia area and took stock of the welfare schemes in the region, implemented by both the states.
Kotia GP has 28 villages of which 21 are on disputed zone between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh since 1956.
Kalinga AI