Koraput, Nov 4 (UDN): Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo has outlined the state government’s position on the issue of alleged intrusion by Andhra Pradesh into the disputed Kotia region of Koraput district and the steps being considered to prevent Andhra Pradesh from conducting elections in the Odisha-claimed territory.
Responding to questions about what measures the Odisha government would take to stop Andhra Pradesh’s activities and prevent elections in Kotia, Singh Deo said that the present government was taking necessary steps to address the situation and protect Odisha’s interests in the region.
He also criticised the previous government over its handling of the Kotia issue, stating that if the earlier government had taken the same measures being implemented by the present administration, the situation would not have reached its current stage.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s remarks come amid continuing concerns over Andhra Pradesh’s administrative activities and its attempts to conduct electoral exercises in the Kotia region, which remains a longstanding territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.