Dandakaranya Statehood Movement Intensifies as Tribal Council Renews Demand
The Dandakaranya Parbatamala Vikash Parishad (DPVP) has reignited its persistent campaign for the creation of a separate state named 'Dandakaranya', to be carved out from specific regions in southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh. This renewed push underscores the organization's determination to address what it describes as chronic neglect and developmental stagnation in these tribal-dominated territories.
Proposed State Composition and Rationale
The envisioned Dandakaranya state would encompass four districts from Odisha:
- Koraput
- Malkangiri
- Nabarangpur
- Rayagada
Additionally, it would include two districts from Andhra Pradesh:
- Alluri Sitharama Raju
- Parvathipuram Manyam
During a recent gathering held at Kunduli in Pottangi block, DPVP members from both states unanimously asserted that establishing a new state is the sole viable solution to overcome the persistent developmental hurdles plaguing these areas. The organization, established in 2021, has consistently advocated for Dandakaranya statehood since its formation, arguing that regional autonomy is essential for progress.
Leadership Perspectives and Demographic Insights
Jayaram Pangi, the 70-year-old former Koraput MP and current president of DPVP, articulated the council's stance emphatically. "Our region is abundantly endowed with natural resources, yet it continues to trail in development and suffers from systemic neglect. We are preparing to submit a formal memorandum to the President of India, demanding the immediate formation of the 'Dandakaranya' state," Pangi declared.
He provided compelling demographic data, noting that according to the 2011 Census, the combined population of the six proposed districts approximates 59.54 lakh residents, spread across a total area of 43,491 square kilometers. This demographic and geographic profile, Pangi emphasized, renders the proposed state larger than several existing Indian states in terms of population, including:
- Himachal Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Goa
- Mizoram
- Sikkim
Border Disputes and Upcoming Strategic Meeting
Pangi also voiced profound frustration over what he characterized as prolonged inaction by both the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh state governments, as well as the Central government, in resolving the protracted border dispute concerning 21 villages in Kotia panchayat. This dispute has persisted for decades, exacerbating regional tensions and hindering administrative coherence.
"Kotia represents merely one facet of multiple unresolved inter-state border issues. Similar contentious disputes exist in Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Gajapati districts, further complicating governance and development efforts," Pangi remarked. In a strategic move to address these challenges, DPVP members are scheduled to convene in Kotia on February 4 to deliberate and formulate a coherent way forward, aiming to consolidate their advocacy and amplify their demands.
The renewed vigor of the Dandakaranya statehood movement highlights a significant regional aspiration for self-determination and improved governance, reflecting broader issues of tribal welfare and regional development in India's political landscape.
