Bhubaneswar, October 27: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik to suggest constructive and legally sustainable solutions to the long-standing inter-State boundary dispute over the Kotia group of villages.

In a letter dated October 27, 2026, responding to Patnaik’s communication of October 19, Majhi reiterated the state government’s commitment to safeguarding Odisha’s territorial integrity and protecting its legitimate interests. He maintained that the Kotia group of villages had been an integral part of Odisha since the state’s formation in 1936.

“The State Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding the territorial integrity and legitimate interests of Odisha,” Majhi wrote.

The Chief Minister also expressed reservations about Patnaik’s approach, arguing that his letter appeared to focus more on political considerations than on finding a constructive resolution to the sensitive issue.

“I am constrained to observe that the contents of your letter appear to approach this sensitive issue from a political standpoint rather than advance constructive and legally tenable solutions for its resolution,” he stated.

Highlighting his government’s efforts to protect Odisha’s territorial interests, Majhi said the state had been pursuing legal and constitutional avenues to address the dispute. He emphasised that the development of Kotia and its surrounding areas remained a priority, with a focus on inclusive growth and improved public services for residents.

As part of these efforts, the state government has constituted a committee headed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, with senior officials tasked with overseeing the integrated development of areas under the Kotia Gram Panchayat. Ministers and senior officials have also been visiting the region to assess local needs and coordinate development initiatives, Majhi noted.

On the boundary dispute, the Chief Minister called for restraint and respect for judicial proceedings, stressing the sensitive nature of the long-standing inter-State issue.

“In view of the sensitivity of this long-standing inter-State matter, all concerned must act with restraint, responsibility and respect for the judicial process,” he said.

Reaffirming his government’s position, Majhi said Odisha would continue to defend its territorial interests before the appropriate legal and constitutional forums while pursuing socio-economic development in Kotia and adjoining areas.

He concluded by inviting Patnaik to submit concrete and constructive proposals for consideration by the state government, underscoring the need for a resolution grounded in law and focused on the interests of the people.

Located in Koraput district, the Kotia group of villages remains at the centre of the long-running boundary dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.