Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on Thursday criticised the state government over the long-standing Kotia dispute, alleging administrative incompetence and a lack of foresight. He urged the governments concerned to initiate immediate political and diplomatic dialogue to resolve the issue rather than relying solely on prolonged court proceedings.

His remarks came amid a fresh political controversy following Andhra Pradesh’s notification for elections in Kotia, a disputed border region claimed by Odisha and regarded as significant to the state’s territorial interests and identity.

Das called upon the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to facilitate a negotiated settlement. He argued that special committees, official meetings and reports had failed to deliver a lasting solution, and accused the Odisha government of adopting a weak approach towards the dispute.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari held detailed discussions with Odisha Advocate General Pitambar Acharya to examine the legal aspects and determine the next course of action.

Pujari stressed the need to expedite legal measures and strengthen Odisha’s administrative presence in the border region. He said protecting the state’s territorial and legal interests while maintaining peace and public confidence remained the government’s priority.

The Kotia dispute, involving a cluster of villages along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, has remained unresolved for decades.

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