Odisha Parties To Oppose AP's Move To Hold Rural Polls In Kotia
The ruling BJP and all opposition parties in Odisha have decided to collectively oppose the Andhra Pradesh government's move to conduct rural polls in the disputed Kotia region.
By : PTI
Update: 2026-10-30 09:03 GMT
Koraput: The ruling BJP and all opposition parties in Odisha have decided to collectively oppose the Andhra Pradesh government's move to conduct rural polls in the disputed Kotia region, political leaders said on Friday.The decades-long territorial dispute over Kotia villages, nestled in the picturesque hills of the Eastern Ghats along the border of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, often comes to the fore during elections.
With territorial rights being claimed by both the states, the matter is currently before the Supreme Court. People of these villages enjoy dual voting status, granting them the unique privilege of exercising their franchise in both states.
The administration of Odisha's Koraput district, under which disputed Kotia villages fall, warned of stringent legal action, including arrests, against those violating prohibitory orders or influencing villagers to participate in the polls.
The decision to jointly oppose Andhra Pradesh's move was taken at an all-party meeting on Thursday. The meeting was attended by leaders of all major parties and chaired by Koraput collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan. They unanimously agreed to safeguard Odisha's territorial interests.
Jeypore Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said that there would be "no compromise" over Kotia's territorial status.
"Not an inch of Kotia will be surrendered to Andhra Pradesh. Kotia is an integral part of Odisha, and we are one when it comes to protecting the region. Those who are choosing to vote in Andhra Pradesh's elections on November 5 should also give up the benefits they receive from the Odisha government," Bahinipati said.
BJD's former Koraput MP Jhina Hikaka said political leaders would jointly visit the disputed villages, and if necessary, camp there to prevent Andhra Pradesh from conducting elections.
"We have unanimously decided to stand together for Kotia. Leaders from all parties will visit the villages and, if required, stay there to ensure that Andhra Pradesh does not conduct the elections," Hikaka said.
BJP MLA Raghuram Machha said the state government was taking all necessary measures to protect Odisha's interests and sought cooperation from all political parties.
Meanwhile, Mahajan said the administration had already filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court challenging Andhra Pradesh's electoral activities in Kotia.
"Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) will come into force from November 1 to prevent unauthorised activities and maintain law and order in the region," the collector said.
Warning against attempts to influence villagers, Mahajan said strict action would follow any violation.
"Anyone found luring villagers to participate in Andhra Pradesh's elections or violating prohibitory orders will face legal action. Arrests will be made if necessary," he said.
Security has been tightened across sensitive border villages, with police personnel deployed at strategic locations to monitor movement of people ahead of the polls.
The collector said the administration was simultaneously focusing on developmental initiatives and addressing villagers' grievances to strengthen public confidence.