Odisha Not To Cede An Inch Of Land To Andhra, Says Minister

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Saturday maintained that it will not cede an inch of land to Andhra Pradesh.

Replying to a question from media persons on the attempt by the Andhra Pradesh government to hold panchayat election in some villages of Koraput and Gajapati districts, Revenue and Disaster Management minister Sudam Marandi said the state government is aware of the activities of the neighbouring state.

“Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a series of packages and inaugurated a slew of development projects for the Kotia panchayat on Friday with a promise to transform it into a model panchayat. We are committed to doing our best to resolve this matter and there is no question of giving away an inch of the land of Odisha,” the minister said.

Asked whether the Odisha government will move the Supreme Court on this matter, he said his government will take appropriate steps.

It is worthwhile to mention that the Andhra Pradesh government has fielded 15 candidates for the panchayat polls in three villages of Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block of Koraput district and is planning to hold the election on February 13 and 17.

Out of the 15 candidates, three are contesting the post of Sarpanch and 10 for the post of ward members in Talaganjeipadar village and one candidate each in Patasunera and Fagunasineri villages for the post of sarpanch.

Also Read: Odisha CM Inaugurates Welfare Projects Worth Rs 18 Crore For Kotia