Koraput: In a significant development for the politically sensitive Kotia gram panchayat along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, all 204 identified under the “unmapped elector” category turned up for the claims and objections hearing conducted as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls on Sunday.The hearing, held at the Pottangi tehsil office, witnessed every elector appearing before the assistant electoral registration officer (AERO)-cum-tehsildar with the required supporting documents, enabling officials to verify and dispose of all the cases smoothly.Election officials termed the 100% attendance an encouraging sign of growing voter awareness in the border panchayat, where electoral exercises assume added significance because of the long-standing territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.“The response from the electors has been exemplary. Every one of the 204 unmapped electors attended the hearing with the necessary documents, allowing us to complete the verification process in a smooth and transparent manner,” said AERO Debendra Dharua.District election authorities said the ongoing SIR is aimed at preparing an accurate, inclusive and error-free electoral roll by verifying the credentials of electors and addressing claims and objections.“The success of Sunday’s hearing reflects effective coordination among election officials, booth level officers, supervisors and the local administration. We appeal to all eligible electors to attend the hearings on their scheduled dates with relevant documents so that the revision process can be completed within the stipulated timeframe,” a district election official said.The claims and objections hearing will continue till Aug 17 across Pottangi block.
Claims and objections hearing underway at the Pottangi tehsil office
