Odisha Congress on Thursday demanded the formation of a dedicated council and a special financial package for the comprehensive development of the Kotia cluster of villages in Koraput district, which is also claimed by neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
The party called for focused development measures to address the needs of residents in the disputed region and strengthen the state's presence in the area. The demand comes amid a long-standing territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the Kotia villages.
The dispute dates back to the British era, while Kotia has remained part of Odisha since the state was formed as a separate province in 1936. The issue later reached the Supreme Court in 1968, when the then Odisha government filed a petition against Andhra Pradesh.
The Kotia cluster, located in the southern part of Odisha's Koraput district, has remained a sensitive issue in relations between the two neighbouring states. Both states have sought to establish their presence in the region through administrative outreach and welfare initiatives.
The demand for a dedicated council is aimed at providing a focused institutional mechanism for addressing the area's development requirements. A special financial package could help improve basic infrastructure and access to public services, including education, healthcare, roads, drinking water and livelihood opportunities.
The region's development has remained an important concern, particularly for residents who require reliable access to government services and welfare programmes. Strengthening local administration and ensuring the effective delivery of public benefits are considered important steps towards improving living conditions in the villages.
The Congress's demand has also brought renewed attention to the need for a comprehensive approach to the Kotia issue, balancing development priorities with Odisha's administrative interests in the region.
The territorial dispute has persisted for decades despite legal proceedings and administrative efforts. The latest demand underscores the continuing political focus on the Kotia cluster and the need to address the development needs of its residents.
Further details regarding the proposed council's structure, the financial package and its implementation were not provided in the available information.
