Cong neta Pangi reiterates demand for separate ‘Dandakaranya' state
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Koraput: Senior Congress member and former Koraput MP
Jayaram Pangi
has reiterated his demand for the creation of a separate state, 'Dandakaranya', comprising parts of southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.
The proposed state would include the Odisha districts of Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri, as well as Alluri Sitharama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts of Andhra, he suggested.
Speaking to TOI, the 69-year-old tribal leader expressed frustration over what he termed as prolonged inaction by both state govts and the Centre in resolving the six-decade-old inter-state dispute over ownership of 21 villages under Kotia panchayat.
"While the BJP is in power in Odisha and at the Centre, and is also a coalition partner in the TDP-led govt in Andhra Pradesh, the party has shown no commitment to settle the
Kotia dispute
. If this continues, we will have no option but to demand a separate state," Pangi said.
A native of Thuria village under Kotia panchayat and a four-time Pottangi MLA, Pangi has consistently advocated for regional autonomy. In 2021, he formed the Dandakaranya Parbatmala Vikash Parishad, aiming to address the development concerns of tribal-dominated areas across Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
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"Kotia is just one of several unresolved inter-state border issues. Similar disputes exist in Malkangiri, Rayagada and Gajapati districts. A separate state is the only way to ensure proper governance and development," he said.
Pangi pointed out that nearly 80% of the population in the Andhra districts proposed to be included in 'Dandakaranya' belong to the Kondha and Paraja tribes, who he claims feel marginalised and under-represented.
When questioned about his earlier proposal for a Union Territory named 'Dandakaranya', Pangi clarified, "That idea was rejected by several core committee members because a UT would remain under the Centre's control. We now believe that an independent state is the only solution."
Political observers viewed Pangi's demand with scepticism. "Pangi appears to be trying to regain political relevance after being sidelined within the Congress," said a Koraput-based political analyst.
Pangi, however, refuted such claims. "Congress has always respected me. I currently serve as chairman of the state tribal cell and remain active in party affairs," he said.
Asked whether his statehood campaign could conflict with his role in the Congress, Pangi said, "If I face obstacles in pursuing this goal while in the party, I may consider other options in the future."
Claiming Pangi's demand as a political stunt to grab attention, senior BJP member Goutam Samantaray said Kotia is an integral part of Odisha and the state govt has taken several measures to strengthen infrastructure in the panchayat. "The matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court and govt is monitoring the situation," he said.
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