Odisha’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and all opposition parties have come together to oppose the Andhra Pradesh government’s plans to hold rural elections in the contested Kotia region. This decision was communicated by political leaders to the Press Trust of India on Friday. The ongoing territorial dispute over the Kotia villages, situated in the Eastern Ghats along the border of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, has persisted for decades and often resurfaces during election periods.

Both states assert claims over the villages, and the matter is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court. Residents of these villages hold dual voting rights, allowing them to participate in elections in both states. Andhra Pradesh is scheduled to conduct elections in the region on November 5.

The Koraput district administration, which oversees the disputed villages, has issued warnings of strict legal action, including potential arrests, against individuals who violate prohibitory orders or attempt to influence residents to participate in the elections.

All-Party Meeting to Formulate Strategy

The decision to jointly oppose the elections was reached during an all-party meeting held on Thursday, chaired by Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan. Leaders from all major political parties attended and collectively agreed to safeguard Odisha’s territorial claims. Jeypore Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati emphasised that there would be “no compromise” regarding Kotia’s territorial status, asserting that “not an inch of Kotia will be surrendered to Andhra Pradesh.” He further stated that those who choose to vote in the elections should relinquish any benefits provided by the Odisha government.

Former Koraput MP and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Jhina Hikaka indicated that political leaders would jointly visit the disputed villages and may remain there to prevent Andhra Pradesh from conducting the elections. He stated, “We have unanimously decided to stand together for Kotia,” highlighting the collaborative effort among political factions.

BJP MLA Raghuram Machha reiterated that the Odisha government is taking all necessary measures to protect the state’s interests and called for cooperation from all political parties involved. The administration’s actions reflect a unified approach to the ongoing dispute.

Legal and Administrative Measures Implemented

Collector Mahajan informed the Press Trust of India that the administration has filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court to challenge Andhra Pradesh’s election-related activities in Kotia. He noted that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will be enforced from November 1 to prevent unauthorised activities and maintain law and order in the area.

Mahajan also issued a warning against attempts to influence villagers, stating that strict legal action would be taken for any violations. “Anyone found luring villagers to participate in Andhra Pradesh’s elections or violating prohibitory orders will face legal consequences. Arrests will be made if necessary,” he explained.

In light of the upcoming elections, security has been heightened across sensitive border villages, with police personnel deployed at strategic locations to monitor the movement of individuals. The administration is also prioritising development initiatives and addressing the grievances of villagers to enhance public confidence in the region.

In summary, Odisha’s political parties and the Koraput administration have taken a united stance against the proposed elections in Kotia, while implementing legal, security, and administrative measures to address the ongoing territorial dispute. This collaborative effort underscores the significance of the region’s status and the commitment of local leaders to protect their claims.

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