Andhra Pradesh Minister’s road inauguration in Koraput’s Kotia revives Odisha-Andhra border dispute

The long-standing dispute over the Kotia region in Odisha ‘s Koraput district resurfaced after an Andhra Pradesh cabinet minister visited a village in the area and inaugurated a new road on Wednesday. Andhra Pradesh Minister for Tribal Welfare, Women and Child Welfare and Salur MLA Gummadi Sandhya Rani visited Neredibalsa village, where she inaugurated the road and interacted with local residents. Minister Discusses Welfare Schemes With Villagers During her visit, Sandhya Rani held a meeting with local people and discussed various welfare schemes being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh government. The programme was conducted under Kotia panchayat, an area that has remained at the centre of a territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh for several years. Visit Adds To Ongoing Controversy The minister’s visit and official programme drew attention to the ongoing claims and dispute over the Kotia region. The area has witnessed similar developments in the past, with both states carrying out welfare and development activities for local residents. Observers believe that the visit of a cabinet minister from Andhra Pradesh is likely to further intensify the debate surrounding the disputed border region. The Kotia issue has remained unresolved despite the long-standing disagreement between the two neighbouring states. However, no reaction from the local administration was received regarding the minister’s visit and the inauguration programme at the time of reporting.