Koraput: Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh cannot enter the disputed Kotia area of Koraput district in Odisha, warned Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
During his one visit to Kotia, Pradhan celebrated the Utkala Dibasa with the locals of Kotia. On this occasion, while addressing the people, he said that the entire 28 villages of Kotia Grama Panchayat are of Odisha. He also asked the Andhra Pradesh Police to leave the border of Odisha.
“Why you all are here? The Kotia Panchayat is of Odisha. Please go back. Go back Andhra,” Pradhan said to the officials of the neighbouring state. He then raised the ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ slogan.
Pradhan also discussed about the border dispute and other issues with the locals during his visit.
