Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari talking to the media. file photo
Jagran correspondent, Bhubaneswar. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari gave a strong message to Andhra Pradesh, saying Kotia is an inalienable part of Odisha and the neighboring state should refrain from making any claim or interfering in the area.
During the visit to Kotia Panchayat, the Minister reviewed the ongoing development works with senior administrative officials. Addressing the gathering, Minister Pujari made sharp remarks targeting Andhra Pradesh and said that this was not the Mughal period, when states were in competition to capture each other's territory.
He stressed that all citizens are Indians and questioned why Andhra Pradesh was trying to interfere in Kotia instead of improving services in its own areas? Giving a strongly worded example, the Revenue Minister said that Andhra Pradesh should live “like an aunt” and should never try to be the “mother” in Kotia.
Reiterating the stand of the Odisha government, he clarified that Kotia is an integral and inseparable part of Odisha and any outside interference will not be tolerated. Pujari said this is not the Mughal period, where states tried to conquer each other's territories.
He said that we are all Indians. Why is Andhra Pradesh trying to become the mother of this region? She should remain as an aunt and maintain good relations with the states.
On the occasion, the Minister interacted with the beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes and reviewed the implementation of development programs in the border villages. He assured the residents that the Government of Odisha is committed to strengthening the infrastructure, administration and public services in the Kotia area.
MLAs, District Collectors and Superintendents of Police of Kotpad, Pottangi and Koraput were also present during the visit, which reflects the special focus of the government on the sensitive border area.