Bhubaneswar, October 19: BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the double-engine BJP government in Odisha, questioning its silence on Andhra Pradesh government’s announcement of holding panchayat elections in the Kotia region of Koraput district.

He accused the ruling party of failing to honour its pre-election promises to protect Odisha’s territorial integrity.

In a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Patnaik wrote, “It is a matter of grave concern that Andhra Pradesh has announced elections in Kotia, an integral part of Odisha. During my tenure as Chief Minister, we were fighting to protect the territorial integrity of our state. BJP leaders have repeatedly asserted in the past that Kotia belongs to Odisha and have raised the slogan "Go Back Andhra."

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Patnaik reminded the BJP of its own political rhetoric before the 2024 elections.

“Before the 2024 elections, the BJP promised in its manifesto that a Double Engine Government would resolve the Kotia issue once and for all, safeguard Odisha's territorial integrity, and restore Odia Swabhiman. What happened to these promises?,” questioned Patnaik.

Patnaik demanded accountability from the BJP government.

“Today, despite Odisha having a so-called double engine government, it is deeply concerning that Andhra Pradesh has proceeded to announce elections in Kotia. What happened to the BJP's assurances that Kotia belongs to Odisha?,” he asked.

“What makes this even more troubling is that the Telugu Desam Party, which governs Andhra Pradesh, is a crucial ally of the BJP-led NDA government much needed to maintain it's majority at the Centre. Is political dependence the reason for the Odisha BJP government's silence and its willingness to compromise Odisha's interests and territorial integrity?.”

Patnaik also demanded answers on the recommendations of the high-level, 16-member Kotia committee constituted in 2025.

“The people of Odisha deserve clear answers and accountability on these commitments. Will the Double Engine Government stand firm in safeguarding Odisha's territorial integrity and constitutional rights, or will it once again yield to pressure from the Centre?,” the former CM asked.

He urged the state government to act decisively and pursue all necessary measures to protect Kotia

“Was the "Go Back Andhra" slogan merely an election gimmick to secure votes, much like the other commitments made to the people of Odisha that remain unfulfilled? The State Government must act decisively and take all necessary steps to safeguard Odisha's territorial integrity and uphold its sovereignty over Kotia,” said Patnaik.