BJP leader demands UT with parts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

BHUBANESWAR: The recent escalation in the border row between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in Kotia panchayat of Koraput district has prompted a group led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former local MP Jayaram Pangi to suggest carving out a Union Territory in the region.
Pangi, who has called a meeting on Sunday to give shape to his plan, wants the UT to be named Dandakaranya Parbatamala Autonomous Region comprising parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
Pangi (65), a former minister in Odisha (1990-1995), said a UT can only can bring prosperity to the region caught up in inter-state dispute whose solution is nowhere in sight even after more than five decades. “I will resign from the BJP soon to devote more time to work on the demand for an independent forum,” Pangi said.
The tribal leader said he had talked to many leaders, including current and former elected representatives in the area over past six months. “People in general feel a UT would be an excellent idea for the development of the region, gifted with natural mineral resources (mainly bauxite and gemstones) and huge untapped potential for eco-tourism and water resources,” he said.
‘An attempt by some to hog the limelight’
While a core group meeting was held on Monday, more people from the region are expected to attend the open house on Sunday to further streamline the strategy,” he added. Pangi, who is a native of Turia village under Kotia panchayat and was an elected MLA of Pottangi four times, said the region has similar socio-cultural situation and largely speak Odia. “Most parts of the proposed UT comprising Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangour and Rayagada districts in Odisha, Araku, Paderu and parts of Salur district in Andhra Pradesh and Sukma in Chhattisgarh were once part of the erstwhile Jeypore princely state.
“Population in the area would be around one crore. The area has majority of Kondha and Paraja tribes besides Christians. While demand for a separate state may lead to too much politics, a UT would ensure less politics and better fund flow from the Centre,” he said, adding, “It would also end left-wing extremism in the area.”
Political analysts feel such demands would put unnecessary strain on the country’s federal system. “Demand for a UT is not justified. This may at best be a political move by some people to hog the limelight,” said Jayant Mohapatra, a former political science professor of Berhampur University, who did his schooling in Koraput.